Educators are the amongst the most important adults that young people will learn from in their formative years.
World Teachers' Day 2022 will be celebrated across Australia on October 28. It is an opportunity to recognise and thank the educators who play a vital role in developing young people and helping them to evolve into important contributors to our communities.
Carinity Education operates four special assistance secondary schools - in Brisbane, Gladstone, Hervey Bay and Rockhampton - and a school in Townsville with a largely primary-age Indigenous student population.
After being inspired to "make a difference in children's lives", Nichola Smith completed a teacher degree at university as a mature age student. She has been a teacher at Carinity Education Glendyne in Hervey Bay for seven years.
"Working at Glendyne is challenging, entertaining and rewarding. I find so much purpose working at Glendyne. I really cherish the relationships I have formed with both students and staff - past and present," Nichola said.
"It is a privilege to be able to make a difference in someone's world and I often reflect on all the memories I have made while working at Glendyne. Seeing students grow holistically over the years they are at Glendyne is so rewarding.
"My personal philosophy is believing that each child is an individual and as an educator, I value and develop each student's strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge to extend their learning. My aim is to develop a well-managed learning community that is respectful, safe, welcoming and, most of all, fun."
Andrew Chapman is driven to help young people attending Carinity Education Glendyne "develop, grow, and find success".
"Working with the variety of students at Glendyne brings many challenges and opportunities for success and growth for the students and for me too," Andrew said.
"Not only do we get looked at as teachers but also mentors and someone the students feel safe and supported by. Seeing the students grow as students and members of the community is always rewarding."
Kristy Leibinger, a vocational education trainer at Carinity Education Rockhampton, puts the needs and wellbeing of students at the forefront of her teaching.
"I try to make a difference in helping to shape a young person's idea about their possibilities and seeing life beyond curriculum, and the advantages of vocational training to specific occupations," she said.
"I enjoy supporting the diverse group of students I have the privilege of getting to know individually, while seeing them flourish as their confidence grows with their newfound knowledge."
Natalie Bolger, a science teacher at Carinity Education Southside, has "a love for learning" and is "passionate about inspiring others to become lifelong learners".
"I strive to deliver engaging and inclusive lessons that embed real life skills for the future. My ambition is to improve the quality of teaching and learning on a wider scale," Natalie said.
"I want to work toward reformation of the education system, to break down barriers to learning, and make the educational experience more relevant to the world in which our students are part of today.
"Carinity Education Southside is a school like no other I have experienced. The personal growth that can be seen in our students as they progress through their education at Southside is incredibly rewarding."
Acting Carinity CEO, David Angell, paid tribute to more than 170 teachers and support staff - including chaplains, youth workers, grounds and administration staff - who support around 600 students at Carinity Education schools.
"Every day, dedicated teachers at Carinity's five schools across Queensland make a significant difference in the lives of young people by being a positive influence - and positive role models," David said.
"Our teachers are also inspired by the young people they support and educate, learning about resilience and perseverance from students who have faced obstacles on their education journey."
