Top marks for favourite teacher

23 June 2011

Popular pick ... Rhyl Sherrington with Smithfield State High School ancient history students, from left, Heather Black, Vann Jackson and Toleira Dyer.

By Rebecca Perry

Rhyl Sherrington has spent the past 18 years fronting classrooms but the quiet achiever who shuns the spotlight is enjoying her time on centre stage after being named the 2011 Education Views My Favourite Teacher.

The Smithfield State High School educator was one of 37 winners in the seventh annual competition, chosen from 3467 student votes across 364 schools across Queensland.

'It was unexpected but just being acknowledged is very rewarding,' Ms Sherrington said.

'The repercussions have been wonderful and I have heard a lot of lovely things from students and teachers which is very encouraging.'

Aside from a five-year teaching stint overseas, Ms Sherrington has spent most of her career in Far North Queensland classrooms and works with students from Year 8 to 12 in subjects including Social Science, English, Ancient History, English Communication and Literacy.

While she believes her students are 'a great bunch of kids', the respect is mutual - nominations for Ms Sherrington included: '(She) is my favourite teacher because she makes Ancient History fun and I learn a lot in her class.'

Ms Sherrington said: 'I love the lightbulb moments you get as a teacher. Helping a child understand something and building trust with them is a very positive part of the job.'

Education Minister Cameron Dick said the competition was run in partnership between local newspapers and the Department of Education and Training to recognise teachers whose efforts make a positive difference to young lives.

'Our teachers work tirelessly to develop students' skills across a host of areas and with more than 3467 heartfelt nominations received from across the state, it is clear that great teachers make an impact that extends well beyond the classroom walls,' Mr Dick said.

'It is a tremendous opportunity to focus on the extraordinary work that happens in Queensland's state schools, because the lessons our teachers share can last a lifetime.'

Ms Sherrington and the other 36 teachers from schools across the state receive a certificate and a Stefan gift pack valued at more than $350. For the full list of recipients see the State Education Week My Favourite Teacher webpage.