Riding the wave of success
MARCH 2009
Glenview State School teacher Graeme McIntyre has just competed in the 2009 Australian Masters Surf Life Saving Championships at Scarborough Beach in Western Australia. (March 17 - 22)
But in the eyes of his Year 3 and 4 students at the small Sunshine Coast hinterland school he was already a champion.
Enthusiastic... Glenview State School's Graeme McIntyre was voted 2008's favourite teacher.
When "Mr Mac" won Education Views' My Favourite Teacher 2008 award he became something of a local hero.
Acting Glenview State School Principal Helen Peters says Graeme's win became a focal point for the community.
'He exemplifies the school's ethos of promoting health and fitness and was a deserving winner in the Year of Physical Activity,' Mrs Peters said.
"Mr Mac" has taught at the school for more than 10 years and has been a member of the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club for more than 30 years.
'He passes on his enthusiasm for exercise to his students,' Mrs Peters said.
Last year one of his students wrote: 'Mr McIntyre is my favourite teacher because he takes us for a run every day and helps us with our problems.'
When he was announced as Education Views' Favourite Teacher Mr McIntyre said: 'I felt humble as the Glenview schoolchildren make my job so enjoyable.
'They have a love of learning and make each day a great day to teach.
'Kids love to run and play and many of them just don't get the chance to do that at home anymore.'
He said he loved nothing more than starting each day with a paddle on a surf ski off Alexandra Headland.
'The sense of achievement I get from this is foremost in my mind as I plan the fitness activities for the students.'
As part of State Education Week which runs from June 1 - 5, the Department of Education, Training and the Arts is once again partnering with local newspapers to find each area's favourite teacher.
This year the department is celebrating teachers who inspire their students to be innovative and creative as part of the Year of Creativity.
Favourite teachers will receive a Dreamworld family two-day world pass for four people.
Nominations open on Monday, March 23 and close on Friday, May 8.
The winning teachers will be announced during State Education Week.
Last year, Queensland students cast more than 4,000 votes.
State school students are encouraged to nominate their favourite teacher.
Students should write in 25 words or less why their favourite teacher is so special. Parents of younger children are allowed to give them a hand.
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