STUDENTS SELECT THEIR FAVOURITE TEACHERS

Queensland’s favourite teachers for 2007 have been selected by their students.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, today congratulated 42 state school teachers from across the state chosen to receive My Favourite Teacher Awards.

The awards, held in conjunction with State Education Week, give school students the chance to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their teachers.

“Our enthusiastic and committed teachers provide quality education for our students and are the cornerstone of the Queensland education system,” Mr Welford said.

“It is inspiring to see so many students voluntarily thanking their teachers for the time, effort and passion they put into teaching.

“There were more than 15,000 votes cast this year, double the 2006 figure, with 1,500 teachers nominated from more than 500 schools throughout Queensland.

“Parents have also taken an active role in nominating teachers for the awards, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.”

Mr Welford said State Education Week is the ideal time to celebrate the inspirational teachers who help to make Queensland the Smart State.

“These awards are one of the many highlights of State Education Week, which sees schools around the state opening their doors, celebrating a number of activities with students, parents, guardians and their school communities.”

“Students, teachers and schools have so much to be proud of, and Education Week provides a host of activities which give us the chance to experience and embrace those efforts.

“Throughout the week, communities across the state will have the chance to learn what’s happening in their local schools through programs that reward achievements, showcase talents and highlight the many success stories of our state’s education system.”

A list of winning teachers is below.

Media Contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

MY FAVOURITE TEACHER WINNERS

Albert and Logan News -  Vikki Connell, Kingston College
Balonne Beacon - Sarah O'Donoghue, St George State School
Bayside Weekly Magazine - Karen Bishop, MacLeay Island State School
Beaudesert Times - Dominique Benstead, Beaudesert Special Education Unit
Blackwater Herald - Trisha Close, Blackwater State School
Caboolture Shire Herald - Lisa Noonan, Narangba State School
Central & North Burnett Times - John Bunyoung, Mundubbera State School
Central Queensland News - Joanne Brown & Lee Peno, Emerald State School
City North News - Kayleen Pleschka, Wooloowin State School
City South News - Gae Nastasi, Yeronga State High School
Cooktown Local News - Melissa Skinner, Cooktown P-12 State School
Crow's Nest Advertiser - Jonathan Druce, Gabbinbar State School
Dalby Herald - Karen Sheerer, Dalby State School
Education Views - Maragaret Pengell, Ubobo State School
Highfields Herald - Denise Winters, Wilsonton State School
Ipswich News - Shannon Hay, Ipswich Central Special Education Unit
Logan West Leader - Sue Stimpson, Regents Park State School
Northern Times - Maryann Symons, Eatons Hill State School
Northside Chronicle - Brian Jentz, Bracken Ridge State High School
North West Country - Kamrynn Roberts, Barkly Highway State Schoo
North-West News - Kylie Perry, Ferny Grove State School
Pine Rivers Press - Rebecca Shorney, Dakabin State School
Redcliffe & Bayside Herald - Cassie Howell, Scarborough State School
South Burnett Times - Rosalie Cole, Cooyar State School
South-East Advertiser - Lynelle Whittaker, Seven Hills State School
Southern Star - Mary Jane Smith, Robertson State School
South-West News - Meaghan Milne, Forest Lake State High School
Springfield News - Bettianne Stuart, Woodcrest College
Stanthorpe Border Post - Shannon Armbruster, Dalveen State School
Tableland Advertiser - Tim Ralph, Mareeba State High School
The Cairns Post - Bree Draffin, Hambledon State School
The Gold Coast Bulletin - Pearl Donovan, Southport State High School
The Longreach Leader - Sheena Hewison, Longreach State School
The Noosa Journal - Barney Rodway, Noosaville State School
The North West Star - Jacob Boulden, Spinifex State College
The Western Star - Lara McKinnon, Injune State School
Torres News - Kim Witt, Western Cape College
Townsville Bulletin - Craig Knight, Giru State School
Western Times - David Platz, Charleville State High School
Westside News - Ruth Kelly, Oakleigh State School
Wynnum Herald - Janette Cameron, Wynnum State High School