Queensland's outstanding teacher aides recognised

Thirty of the state’s most talented teacher aides have been recognised today, Teacher Aide Day, with professional development grants to enhance the learning of students.

Announcing this year’s recipients, Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the grants recognised the excellent work and outstanding contribution of teacher aides in Queensland state schools.

“Every day across the state, teacher aides are making a difference in our classrooms,” Mr Welford said.

“Some of our most outstanding teacher aides have been recognised with grants of up to $1200 each to undertake professional development activities that will help develop the knowledge and skills they need to support our teachers and students.

“This year the grants will be used to further develop their capabilities in a range of areas, including information and communication technology, art and literacy, as well as specific skills required to work with students with disabilities.

“The professional development activities teacher aides will undertake with these grants include digital media training to support students with disabilities, Certificate and Diploma courses in Education Support, interactive whiteboard and early literacy training, behaviour support training and Austswim courses.

“Five award recipients will use their award towards an education degree to enable them to move from the role of teacher aide to teacher.”

Mr Welford said there were around 13,500 teacher aides in Queensland who worked alongside teachers.

“Teacher aides play an important role in our state schools,” he said.

“On behalf of all of our school communities, I thank teacher aides across the state for their outstanding commitment and dedication in working alongside our teachers and supporting students to be the best they can be.”

A full list of the 2008 grant recipients follows on the next page.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2008 TEACHER AIDE GRANT RECIPIENTS

DARLING DOWNS

Sharlane Dorsa, Highfields State School
Joan Ford, Tara Shire State College
Shirley Watson, Harlaxton State School

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Betsey Kocsis, Woree State School
Norijah Hardaker, Woree State High School

FITZROY-CENTRAL WEST

Leanne Hore, Rockhampton Special School
Kaylene Greenhalgh, Tieri State School
Irene Batley, Rockhampton Special School

GREATER BRISBANE

Jeffrey Wildermuth, Redland District Special School
Gail Kember, Wynnum State High School
Loretta Lather, Cannon Hill State School
Alison Duffield, Seville Road State School
Lyla Bergman, Albany Creek State School
Sara Thuell, Royal Children’s Hospital School

MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY

Scott McLean, Proserpine State High School

MORETON

Sharon Kitching, Ipswich Special School
Michael Winton, Redbank Plains State High School
Christina Taege, Bundamba State School

NORTH QUEENSLAND

Lila Casey, Kelso State School

SOUTH COAST

Faye Biga, Burrowes State School
Darrien Craigie, Loganlea State High School
Robyn Anstey, Coomera Springs State School
Sandy Gimm, Mudgeeraba Special School

SUNSHINE COAST

Liia Davies, Pomona State School
Clarissa Cruz, Caboolture Special School
Elizabeth King, Deception Bay State High School
Julie March, Buddina State School

WIDE BAY-BURNETT

Leanne Whittaker, Granville State School
Belinda McGrath, Wide Bay North Centre for Learning Management
Coral Ross, Kawungan State School