From critical thinking to library tinkerers, through family dynasties and rural kinship, teachers are shaping the minds of Queensland students every day.
As the state counts down to Queensland World Teachers’ Day on October 25, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is highlighting the innovative and far-reaching impact their educators are having across South East Queensland.
Students at San Damiano College Yarrabilba are learning to be strong, critical thinkers, through a BCE-University of Queensland research project.
Deputy Principal Paul Mead said the Teaching for Thinking program was seeing results far beyond what was anticipated at the Logan school.
“We want our students to be reflective and collaborative and engage with their learning using learning dispositions. They should always cast a critical lens over the knowledge that is presented to them,” Mr Mead said.
“The strategies we are implementing through the project guide our students to think critically about how they approach learning and how they interact with that learning.”
He said five teacher leaders from different subject were implementing the strategies in pilot classes.
“These teachers will become staff mentors as the program is implemented across the school in 2025.”
Roshea Buksh, AP-Curriculum, Teaching and Learning said not only were academic results improving, but teachers were also seeing significant improvement in classroom behaviour, even beyond the pilot project.
“Through the research, students begin to understand that learning requires certain behaviours or interactions.”
San Damiano is one of four BCE pilot schools partnering with The University of Queensland working on projects related to the UQ Teaching for Thinking pedagogy, including Our Lady Help of Christians Hendra, Clairvaux MacKillop College Mt Gravatt, and Our Lady’s College Annerley.
Back in Brisbane, St Columba’s Primary School Wilston’s library is being transformed by teacher librarians Nena Morgante and Lisa Irwin.
The duo is turning the traditional library space into a vibrant, hands-on learning hub, where students explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) alongside their love of books.
Ms Morgante said tinkering programs fostered hands-on learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills among learners.
“Libraries used to be for quiet learning, but we’re transforming our library into vibrant spaces where students can actively engage, explore, and innovate,” she said.
“While tinkering, students are developing critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills, all while learning how they can solve problems, skills they will need now and into the future.”
Ms Irwin said one of the greatest joys of being a teacher librarian was the opportunity to work with students across all year levels.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of students over the years, guiding them through their first steps into the world of reading,” she said.
The novel approach to library learning is reshaping the physical space and the pair are eagerly anticipating the upcoming St Columba’s Primary School library extension, which will feature a state-of-the-art STEAM lab, new resources, and flexible furniture to support various learning activities.
In the city’s south-western suburbs, students at Holy Family Primary School Indooroopilly, are benefitting from a family connection, which delivers almost 50 years of teaching experience.
Two sisters, Prep teacher Rebecca Cornish and Year 1 teacher Libby Freshney, have transitioned from students at the school to now dedicating most of their teaching careers to “their beloved school”.
Ms Cornish began her teaching career at Holy Family School in 1998 as a graduate, with her younger sister Ms Freshney following five years later in 2003.
“Being able to help each other—there’s nothing that she won’t do for me – if I am ever stuck, it is never a big deal,” Ms Freshney said.
“You want to be happy in the classroom and my sister helps make every day joyous,” Ms Cornish said.
In Kingaroy, it is the rural ties that bring joy to Emma-Lee Benecke and Patrick Figg.
The Saint Mary’s College Kingaroy educators said there was a sense of community and fulfilment in a rural setting.
Ms Benecke moved from Redcliffe to Kingaroy this year and said she found her calling as a Year 2 teacher at the South Burnett school, three hours north-west of Brisbane.
“As an early career teacher, there are many benefits to working in a smaller school,” she said.
“Smaller class sizes have been ideal for my growth as an early career teacher, and I’ve found a sense of calm and connection that I haven’t experienced before.
“There’s a real sense of community among the staff at Saint Mary’s, and the collaborative spirit in our school is unmatched.”
Mr Figg, a Year 5 student at the school began his teaching career in Ayr, a small town south of Townsville, and has since developed a deep appreciation for the close-knit communities in rural areas.
“Teaching in rural areas offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth,” he said.
“I enjoy seeing students at places like the shops and other sporting events while being out and about.
“It reinforces the strong community ties that make teaching in these areas so special.”
The theme for this year’s Queensland World Teachers’ Day, on October 25, Teachers’ Make a Difference and Brisbane Catholic Education is encouraging parents, students and members of the community to express their appreciation of their local teachers through a special message board.
Teachers interested in joining Brisbane Catholic Education as an educator can explore career opportunities on the BCE website.
