31 of Queensland’s most inspirational registered teachers have today been announced as recipients of prestigious state teaching awards.

This year’s recipients include teachers who are reviving and embedding Indigenous languages, inspiring young women to pursue agricultural pathways, bringing video game technologies and eSports into their classrooms, all while ensuring every student in their school community feels like they belong.

The TEACHX Awards have been dedicated to recognising the outstanding excellence of Queensland’s teachers in state and non-state schools and early childhood settings for over a decade.

For the first time this year, a recipient has been awarded under a new special category noting the exemplary efforts of tertiary educators to the field of initial teacher education. Adjunct Professor Bruce Burnett is the inaugural winner of the Emeritus Professor Nola Alloway Excellence in Teacher Education Award, recognised for his groundbreaking program supporting high achieving graduate teachers with placements across diverse school communities.

QCT Board Chair, Professor Emeritus Wendy Patton, said, “These teachers are a reflection of the high standards of teaching happening throughout the state.”

“During a time when teaching is greatly in focus, it’s important we collectively shine light on the members of the profession who are exemplary in their practice, not only at this statewide level, but at a community level too.”

Recipients will receive their awards at a ceremony in Brisbane on Thursday the 26th of October, the eve of World Teacher’s Day celebrations in Queensland.

The TEACHX Awards are proudly sponsored by the Queensland Department of Education, TUH Health Fund, RemServ Lease, Griffith University and Schoolzine.

Congratulations to all the 2023 TEACHX Award Recipients: 

Excellence in Beginning to Teach

Amy Bentley – Beaudesert State High School

Heather Crothers – Woree State High School

Eliza Gordon – Townsville Community Learning Centre - A State Special School

Elizabeth McNulty – Bellbird Park State Secondary College

Chelsea Robers – Ayr State School

Excellence in Teaching

Diana Backhouse – Nursery Road State Special School

Tara Barron – Rochedale State School

Cailtin Crowe – St George State High School

Gregory Jessep – Marsden State High School

Rebecca Samios – Barkly Highway State School

Innovation in Teaching

Anthony Brieschke – Beaudesert State High School

Bridgette Bird – Kimberley Park State School

Brendan Growden – Marsden State High School

Simon Roper – Hervey Bay State High School

Helen Weston – Loreto College Coorparoo

Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning

Allison Elcoate – Trinity College Beenleigh

Elena Finlay – Leichhardt State School

Elizabeth Foster – Wavell State High School

Lissa Gyte – Loreto College Coorparoo

Preston Parter – Nullu Badi Ngudyubay Academy (formerly Eidsvold State School)

Outstanding Contribution to School Community

Nyanyiik (Angelina) Chol – Mabel Park State High School

Leonard Hopkinson – Edens Landing State School

Michael Platt – Elanora State High School

Sheree Ruri – Marsden State High School

Judith Terkelsen – Goodstart Early Learning Pialba

Outstanding Contribution to Teaching

Amanda Bopf – Mount Alvernia College

Karen Farrow – Emmanuel College (Carrara)

Melissa Kempson – Kingaroy State High School

Dale Morrow – St Rita’s College

Natalie Wells – Heights College Rockhampton

Excellence in Teacher Education

Adjunct Professor Bruce Burnett - Australian Catholic University