Teacher an inspiration
LYNETTE Kim Sing’s handson approach to educating teens has seen her break down barriers with young students in Cleveland Youth Detention Centre preparing to return to school.
The passionate Palm Island teacher has been recognised for her work allowing students in remote communities or with troubled backgrounds to embrace a new culture of learning.
Ms Kim Sing is nominated for the Professor Betty Watts OBE Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching for her 32- year career spanning Townsville, Brisbane, Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Palm Island, Bamaga and the Torres Strait.
Ms Kim Sing was the senior co- ordinator of Bwgcolman Community School on Palm Island when she spent two years regularly visiting the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre to ease the transition for young offenders back to school.
“I found myself speaking to all of the youth there. Most of them didn’t know me and I didn’t know them, but there was an instant connection and the boys were very happy to open up to me,” she said.
“When they did return, I had to work extra hard to keep them on track.”
Ms Kim Sing engaged the youths’ families, teaching them how to support students as they aimed for their Queensland Certificate of Education, QCE.
“That’s the glimpse of hope that most of the children in there need; to know that there are still people on the outside that are hoping they can get back on track,” she said.
Bwgcolman Community School guidance officer Julie Cattoni said Ms Kim Sing’s actions and words reinforced to students, especially indigenous students, that they could achieve in life.
“Her open and energetic manner meant many young people were eager to engage and felt comfortable sharing their stories,” Ms Cattoni said.
Ms Kim Sing’s efforts saw attendance skyrocket and more students graduate.
Miss Kim Sing said while there was no quick fix for youths committing crime, forming strong connections with students and their families, developing trust and providing opportunities would keep students even from the most difficult of upbringings on track.
The Excellence in Teaching Award winners will be announced in Brisbane on World Teachers Day this Friday.