REGION’S INSPIRING TEACHERS
AS A young child, your biggest influences are not just your family members, but the people you spend about 30 hours a week with.
Your teachers help to shape the person you are going to be in this world, by instilling values and helping you to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, teamwork and independent thinking, as well as much more.
The Chronicle has looked at 40 teachers from across the region who are inspiring our younger generations.
Haylea Chalker
A teacher who reportedly goes above and beyond for her students and their families is Hayley Chalker from Oakey State School.
Having joined the school straight after graduating, the Year 3 and 4 composite class teacher continually adjusts her teachings based on her research and feedback from students and other teachers.
School principal Scott Pacey said she was an “extremely hardworking and professional teacher” who displayed a high expectation approach to everything she did.
Shannon Kochelak
A cheerful, loveable and fun teacher has clearly made an impression on her students, who affectionately call Shannon Kochelak Miss K at Vale View State School.
A Year 3 and 4 teacher, Miss K is always ready to jump in and give a hand to whoever needs it and is a valued member of the school staff, according to principal Mark Hooson.
“To the children, they know that Miss K is always ready to listen if they have a problem, makes learning fun and always ensures that no one is left behind,” he said.
Connie Coverdale
Connie Coverdale has worked in numerous roles at Toowoomba Grammar School since 2015, however only began as a teacher in 2021, specialising in maths.
This year, she began as the assistant head of department in mathematics and is the acting head and volleyball coach.
Ms Coverdale previously worked as a laboratory assistant and studied for a bachelor of engineering and a graduate certificate in chemistry, which further ignited her passion for teaching and a desire to influence future generations.
“It is my belief that all students have the right to explore a diverse range of opportunities from within the academic, sporting and cultural realm in a supportive, safe and technology-balanced learning environment, to prepare them for 21st century careers,” she said.
“My goal is to share enthusiasm, passion and dedication both in and out of the classroom and to set the bar for learning at a high, but achievable level, that provides all students with the opportunity to recognise the importance of communication, collaboration and a consistent and strong work ethic.”
Renee Murray
An enthusiastic Prep teacher who provides a caring and nurturing learning environment for her students is sevenyear teacher Renee Murray.
Ms Murray began at Toowoomba Grammar Junior School this year and is determined to instil a love of learning in her students as they venture forward into their education journey.
“I ensure I set meaningful learning tasks and actively support the boys through pastoral care and academic development,” she said.
Taylah Waldron
Only 12 months into her Toowoomba State High School journey, English and humanities teacher Taylah Waldron is said to have rejuvenated the subjects with a fresh approach and new teaching style.
Miss Waldron is said to provide hands-on activities that encourage a positive environment for junior students, while she offers her senior students opportunities to hear from guest speakers with different perspectives.
Nominated by her colleagues, Miss Waldron gives her students a first-class education from a first-year teacher.
Chasley Wilson
Chasley Wilson is a dedicated, positive and respected force within the Toowoomba State High School teachers, particularly within the arts department, where she looks after visual arts.
In her first three years of teaching at the school, Ms Wilson has created engaging coursework for students and offered an after school art club and workshop opportunities in Brisbane and beyond.
Under the support of Ms Wilson, some of her students have experienced success through art competitions, and some have even had their work displayed at the Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art.
Under her mentorship as a talented artist herself, Ms Wilson’s many students develop a genuine love for the Visual Arts through her class.
Gabrielle Weier
Gabrielle Weier began her teaching career at Roma State College before moving to Toowoomba State High School earlier this year, where she now teaches English and film television and new media.
Within her five-year career, Ms Weier has developed a keen interest in curriculum planning and enthusiastically contributes to the development of teaching units and
openly shared her ideas.
Ms Weier may have only joined the Toowoomba school less than 12 months ago, but she has already taken on the role of a year co-ordinator, showing great potential for the young teacher.
Laura Harradine
English and science teacher Laura Harradine works at Toowoomba State High School where she has led the development of innovative new units of work for multiple year levels within the English faculty.
According to one of her colleagues, Ms Harradine’s strengths lie in unit development and curriculum planning, where she has even stepped up to the role of a year co-ordinator.
Going above and beyond in her role and for her students, Ms Harradine has also devoted her own time to marking both NAPLAN writing exams and the External Exam for General English for the QCAA.
James Nardello
Only in his first year of teaching, James Nardello has offered Toowoomba State High School students a unique experience not often available to public schools.
The 25-year-old is trained in both classroom and instrumental music and was determined to share his talent and passion with his students, thereby offering free piano and vocal lessons.
He plays baritone saxophone alongside students in the school’s concert band and conducts and plays keys for the jazz band.
Moving into 2023, Mr Nardello will look after instrumental music lessons across woodwind, percussion and brass, as well as continue teaching his classroom of students.
Ashleigh Rummenie
Ashleigh Rummenie began her teaching career three years ago at Toowoomba State High School, where she has taught science, physics, chemistry, psychology and digital technologies.
During her short time at the school, she began a robotics club for students which won a Toowoomba junior competition, placed third on a state level, and competed at the national championships.
Ms Rummenie was asked to be acting head of department for science after only two years into her career, and will soon be involved in the school’s aviation and drones program.
Rory Sheavils
A second-year teacher at Cambooya State School, Rory Sheavils branched into the education field after a career in journalism.
Mr Sheavils’ background has allowed the teacher to make real-world learning a priority in his Year 6 classroom, giving his students the ability to learn quicker and increase the chances of the information being retained.
Within a two-year period, the teacher has created powerful relationships with his students, who now take responsibility for their own learning and have set an example for other students.
Jemma Hunt
Year 5 teacher Jemma Hunt began her career with Cambooya State School earlier this year, after gaining practical experience in the school during her studies.
Ms Hunt offers her students new and exciting learning opportunities by accessing various technologies, and even goes out of her way to find new challenges and experiences to enhance her own skill set.
Ms Hunt took time out to accompany the Year 6 cohort to a week-long camp, and heavily participated in activities, despite it not being her designated year level.
Samantha Draheim
I ensure I set meaningful learning tasks and actively support the boys through pastoral care and academic development.
RENEE MURRAY
Now in her second year of teaching at Cambooya State School, Samantha Draheim experiments with a variety of strategies to increase the engagement and outcomes with her students in an effort for them to reach their full potential.
Previously enrolled in the Teaching Enhancement Program in her final year of study, Ms Draheim is committed to finding various ways to alter her teaching methods to ensure students require proper support in their schooling journey.
Put forward by principal David Wilson, Ms Draheim’s Year 3 classroom makes effective use of grouping strategies to meet the needs of her students and uses highly engaging strategies to engage the students in her class.
Kristie Cosmo
Year 2 teacher Kristie Cosmo has taught at Cambooya State School for about five years, and has a high level of understanding the needs of her students and plans extensively to meet them.
Committed to providing the best learning environment for her students possible, she has built strong, positive relationships with students, parents and staff. The young teacher is quick at thinking on her feet and being able to adapt to the ever changing environment of her classroom. Still fairly early in her career, Ms Cosmo shows great potential of strongly and positively influencing her current and future students.