Five Queenslanders among nation's best

October 26 2011

Five Queenslanders have been recognised as being among Australia's most outstanding teachers and school leaders.

The five were finalists in the 2011 Australian Awards for Outstanding Teaching and School Leadership. They are:

• Jessika Hogan of Kingston State School - Australian Primary Teacher of the Year finalist.
• Gary Turner of Maroochydore State High School - Australian Secondary Teacher of the Year finalist.
• Trevor Buchanan of Mount Mee State School - Australian Primary Principal of the Year finalist.
• John Searle of Miles State High School - Australian Secondary Principal of the Year finalist.
• Judith Ketchell of Tagai State College on Thursday Island - The Australian Government Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching or Leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education finalist.

These educators were recognised, along with 34 other finalists, as some of Australia's most outstanding educators across five award categories.

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) event was hosted by the Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett.

AITSL chair Anthony Mackay said the awards provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the nation's most talented, innovative and inspirational school teachers and leaders.

'They shine a light on the outstanding contribution these individuals, and indeed all teachers and school leaders across Australia, make to provide the best possible learning opportunities for their students,' he said.

'The awards also recognise the significant contribution that teachers and school leaders make as community leaders."

Award winners received a national and/or international sabbatical to work with leading educators in an area of professional interest.

The national winners were drawn from Western Australia (2), Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. For a full list of state and territory finalists and winners visit the AITSL website.