QUEENSLAND’S BEST HONOURED ON WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

Sixty-two of Queensland’s best teachers have shared in more than $400,000 worth of professional development awards announced today, on World Teacher’s Day.

Minister for Education and Training Rod Welford said the awards honoured teachers for their commitment, achievement and innovation.

“Our Government introduced the awards in 2002 to honour our most outstanding teachers,” Mr Welford said.

“The awards are about recognising Queensland teachers and school leaders who go that extra mile to deliver the very best education for our students.

“There are 42,600 teachers employed in our schools and I want to thank them all for their hard work and dedication.

“World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to show teachers how much they are appreciated.

“Many people would remember a teacher who played a significant role in their lives and this is the day to acknowledge the contribution of the profession.

“Teachers have the greatest impact on student learning and shape our nation’s future through influencing and inspiring our young people.

“I congratulate all of this year’s award recipients and thank them for their dedication and innovation to improving student learning outcomes.”

Mr Welford said the awards gave recipients financial support to pursue an area of innovation or interest through a range of professional development opportunities.

“These opportunities include overseas study, industry placement, tertiary-level studies or attending education conferences or courses,” he said.

“Our Government is committed to promoting the professional knowledge and skills of our school workforce to ensure they are equipped to give students the very best chance at succeeding at school and beyond.”

World Teachers’ Day is marked internationally on 5 October but Queensland celebrates on the last Friday of October due to school holidays.

Almost 1500 Education staff also received professional development grants and service recognition awards in local events across the state today.

The 2007 Teacher Excellence Awards recipients are listed on the following page.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2007 Teacher Excellence Awards recipients

Minister’s Awards for Teacher Excellence – three x $25,000 awards
Patrice Ramsay, Bulimba State School; Jill Wells, Jindalee State School; Deborah Derrick, Robina State High School

Minister’s Awards for Excellence in School Leadership – three x $20,000 awards
Paula Passi, Burpengary State School; Catherine McGrath-Jeffrey, Mirani State High School; Greg Parry, Burnett State College, Gayndah

Minister’s Awards for Education Futures – seven x $15,000 awards
Leanne Martin, Emerald State School; Judi Buckley, Greater Brisbane Regional Office; Deborah Burke, Clontarf Beach State High School; Tess Hennessey, Kepnock State High School; Camille Newlands, Mount Gravatt State High School; Victoria Montgomery, Moorooka State School; Kim Milford, Indooroopilly State High School

Regional Innovators Awards – nine x $6000 awards
Darling Downs SW Qld Region: Rosalind Grant, Warwick West State School; Melissa Stark, Goondiwindi State School
Far North Queensland Region: Michelle Sturgiss, Atherton State High School; Fitzroy-Central West Region: John Collins, Port Curtis Road State School
Greater Brisbane Region: Gay Quelhurst, Cannon Hill State School; Suzanne Cook, Mitchelton State High School
Northern Region: Allan Georgee, Alliance of Charters Towers State Schools
Sunshine Coast Region: Lynne Coupar, Bli Bli State School; Sandra Chaplin, Talara Primary College

Smart Classrooms ICT Teacher Awards – 10 x $5000 awards
Kathleen Maccoll, Bentley Park College; Kirschty Birt, Mirani State High School; Mark Harm, Burnett State College; Michelle Harris, Kawungan State School; Megan Brand, Toowoomba East State School; Therese Sippel, Goondiwindi State High School; MJ Raatz, Forest Lake State High School; Robyn Simpson, Forest Lake State High School; Sally Michelle Vellar, Coolum State High School; Bronwyn White, Wynnum West State School

Smart Classrooms Regional Teacher Awards – 26 x $1500 awards
South Coast Region: Shane Roberts, Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School; Melinda Cornwell, Berrinba East State School
Sunshine Coast Region: Anne Williams, Dakabin State High School; Gayle Torrens, Coolum State School
Darling Downs Region: Jo Corcoran, Centenary Heights State High School; Jan Clewett, Oakey State High School; Michael Grogan, Yelarbon State School; Karen Timmins, Mungallala State School
Moreton Region: Jenny Krkobabic, Karalee State School; Lynelle Weimar, Springfield Lakes State School
Wide Bay Burnett Region: Moira Sergiaccomi, Bundaberg State High School; Drew McLean, Urangan State High School; Tammie Gilbert, Burnett State College
Fitzroy-Central West Region: Anthea Grant, Bororen State School; Gary Holmes, Frenchville State School; Lenore Olive, Taranganba State School
Greater Brisbane Region: Amy Feeney, Mt Crosby State School; Megan Kinsey, Mt Gravatt State High School; Debbie Mortimer and Danielle Meaden, Taigum State School; Sue Stimpson, Regents Park State School
North Queensland Region: Cale Driver, Mount Isa Central State School; Joyce Press, Ingham State School
Far North Queensland Region: Dorothy Hogan, Tagai State College – Thursday Island Secondary Campus; Anne-Marie Ladner, Caravonica State School; Lyndell Sellers, Malanda State High School
Mackay Whitsunday Region: Sue Clark, Marian State School

Smart Classrooms Online Course Developer Award – one x $5000 award: Sally Farrell, Elanora State School

Smart Classrooms Microsoft Innovative Teacher Award: Heather Wessling and Marie Leech from Kurwongbah State School