Favourite teacher's winning attitude pays off
June 2009
My Favourite Teacher winner Trevor Lidster, from Aldridge State High School, with teacher aide Lisa Munro and students and one of the school's human powered vehicles.
Winning isn't everything for Maryborough teacher Trevor Lidster, despite being named Education Views' My Favourite Teacher for 2009.
The science teacher works in the special education program at Aldridge State High School in Maryborough where, among other activities, he works with teacher aide Lisa Munro to help students with special needs race hi-tech, purpose-built bicycles known as human-powered vehicles.
'They can get up to speeds of 60 kilometres or more but ours are built more for reliability,' Mr Lidster said.
Although the students had never claimed a chequered flag, Mr Lidster proudly said they had finished every race they'd entered since the program began more than six years ago.
This winning attitude was one of the reasons Mr Lidster's students voted him their favourite teacher.
After hearing the news of his win, unsurprisingly, this modest teacher was short on words.
'I'm slightly embarrassed but it's good,' he said.
'It's nice to think someone has gone to the trouble to vote for you although I'm surprised someone else didn't win.'
With more than 10 years teaching experience, Mr Lidster said racing the human-powered vehicles was a great way for students to develop self-discipline, confidence and teamwork.
'I enjoy seeing the students racing the bikes, they're so enthused so that's a real highlight.'
Aldridge State High principal Ed Manley said Trevor was a deserving winner.
'Trevor is very focused on kids,' Mr Manley said.
'He provides individualised care for our students and treats them with sensitivity and dignity.'
Another 33 Queensland teachers were also named My Favourite Teachers as part of this year's State Education Week celebrations. View the gallery of winners here.
Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson congratulated all 34 winners and said the initiative was a great way for students to acknowledge teachers' excellent work.
'Teachers play a vital role in teaching and mentoring our young people and I congratulate them on being recognised by their students as making a significant difference to their lives,' Mr Wilson said.
More than 2900 votes were cast this year for 590 teachers from 250 schools across Queensland.
Other languages