World Teachers' Day triumph for Brisbane educator
12 November 2009
By Rebecca Perry
Inaugural winner of the Queensland College of Teachers' Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award, Sandra Quinn from Forest Lake State High School (second from right), flanked by Dr Roger Hunter, Teachers' Union Health's Cathy McGuane and Acting Governor Chief Justice Paul de Jersey.
A Brisbane teacher says she is still pinching herself after being named a winner in the inaugural QCT (Queensland College of Teachers) Excellence in Teaching Awards, which were presented at Government House on World Teachers' Day.
Forest Lake State High School head of health and physical education Sandra Quinn won the Dr Roger Hunter Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award, taking home the $5000 prize money.
'It hasn't sunk in yet,' Ms Quinn said, whose leadership and organisational skills have helped her teaching career flourish in less than four years.
'I am hoping to use the money towards educational or life coaching because I want to better support staff who are based in different areas across the school.
'Our staff rooms feature a mix of different teachers so managing and communicating with my sports staff can be a challenge.'
Thirteen finalists from across Queensland each received $500 towards professional development in the awards which showcase professional achievements in schools.
State school finalists included Rebekah Bidois from Innisfail State High School, Louise Lefel from Windaroo State School, Sophia McLean from Kepnock State High School, Garry Molloy from Woodridge State School, Karen Wolski from Mitchell State School, Steve Baskerville from Townsville's Kirwan State High School and Steven McKnoulty from Mt Gravatt Special School.
For more information on the awards and recipients, visit the Queensland College of Teachers website 
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