Pens down for teacher Steph

A FEW months ago, Steph Furlong received an email from a former student who struggled with dyslexia and is now working in the media, asking if the teacher remembered her.

“I rarely forget any student I have ever taught,” says Steph, who will teach her last class at Cairns State High School next Friday.

Her former student, now a general manager in radio, wanted to thank Steph for the difference she had made in her life more than 20 years ago and for believing in her.

She is just one of thousands whose lives have been impacted by Steph during more than four decades of teaching across North Queensland and indigenous communities in Cape York.

Last month, she was a finalist for the 2018 Queensland College of Teachers Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award.

Steph started her career at Bamaga in 1974 and taught at Weipa, Aurukun, Townsville, Murgon and Gympie before starting at Cairns High 25 years ago.

Over the years, she has set up art departments and introduced new subject initiatives and small businesses, including community newspapers and art and craft workshops.

The English, EAL/D (English as an additional language or dialect), Arts, Learning Support and Vocational Education and Training teacher said one career highlight was developing and writing a two-year correspondence program for Cape York indigenous teacher aides, enabling them to be recognised for their vital contribution to education.

“Some were teacher aides by default — some hadn’t even gone past Year 4, so it offered them opportunities on a personal and a professional level,” she said.

Steph’s impact on Cape York indigenous communities was so great she was given a language name by Wik elder Awumpun (Jean George). Anambri, which means ‘be- longing to this place’, is a name she carries with pride and honour.

In Cairns, she served as a READ School Support Centre curriculum writer, resource designer and illustrator for seven years and has assisted in the development and management of the Young Indigenous Achievers’ Camps at Cairns High for several years. She has also revelled in teaching students who aren’t on the traditional education path or who learn differently.

“To me teaching, if you’re real and passionate about the job of interacting positively with students and connecting with them, it is a gift that keeps on giving,” Ms Furlong said.