The way Nanine Stewart moves around the room, she's like a conductor, floating to different tables around the room, answering questions, gently guiding discussions.
It's clear the students don't just like her - they respect her. She has the air of a natural leader - strong but generous with her time and genuinely interested in each of the students in her class at Coolum State High School.
It's hard to imagine she never really enjoyed learning in a classroom environment. She got good grades but was in no rush to attend uni when she finished high school.
Then she saw the Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies .
"I am surprised to be back at school," Nanine says.
"I never enjoyed that classroom environment. I was a sporty kid so I didn't like sitting down all the time.
"But I think a lot of people who might not have enjoyed school often make good teachers because they're usually the students that want the opportunity to learn more through enquiry, which is what Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies provides."
Outdoor Environmental Studies lecturer Brendon Munge says the degree is designed to connect students with the outdoors and give them a deeper appreciation for the environment based on science and cultural awareness and appreciation.
"When you're teaching in an outdoor environment, working alongside the students, there is a sense of camaraderie that develops that is much harder to replicate in a classroom environment," he says.
"People like Nanine who appreciate this often make great teachers."
As part of her combined Education degree, the last placement Nanine did was at her old high school - Coolum, which soon led to a job.
"It's a full circle moment for me," Nanine says.
"I was very engaged in the community when I was at school - and I had a really good rapport with most of my teachers - so to be able to give that back to students now is quite special."
Nanine is relaxed, comfortable and seems to have a genuine connection with her students. Part of this, she says, comes from her experience coaching sport.
"I've coached all my life, so I've always enjoyed the leadership part of teaching," Nanine says.
"Watching students develop and grow as people is a real privilege."
Her connection to sport is profound and continuing - especially through her role as Coolum State High School AFL Academy director, a role for which she has been recognised with a Queensland College of Teachers ' Teach-X Outstanding Contribution to School Community award.
Her leadership of the Academy was particularly noticed for growing the female side of the academy, which the Queensland College of Teachers says has been transformational.
Nanine says it's always nice to be recognised for hard work. But that's not why she does it.
"I just love my job - that's why I do it."
