IEU members have been honoured for outstanding contributions to the teaching profession as part of World Teachers’ Day 2024.
Each year, the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) celebrates the achievements of some of the state’s exceptional teachers by presenting TEACHX Awards in recognition of their inspiring contributions.
The annual awards are open to teachers in primary, secondary and early childhood education settings across all sectors and attract thousands of nominations.
Excellence in education
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the five IEU members who were among the 2024 TEACHX recipients were very deserving of the Awards.
“We congratulate all those exceptional teachers who received a TEACHX Award or nomination in 2024, but particularly those members of our union who were recognised,” Mr Burke said.
The IEU member TEACHX Award recipients are:
- Kiana Sloane – AB Paterson College, Arundel
- Rebecca Davies – Peregian Beach College, Peregian
- Kate Wilkinson – Redeemer Lutheran College, Rochedale
- Benjamin Klein – Newman Catholic College, Smithfield
- Paul Dionysius – Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs
“Our members were presented with their Awards at a special ceremony held on the evening of World Teachers’ Day 2024, hosted by the QCT,” Mr Burke said.
“They are dedicated professionals who perform arguably the most important job in the world: shaping the minds of future generations through the provision of high-quality education,” he said.
Teachers give so much to their communities, inspiring a love of learning and positively impacting the lives of countless young people.
Mr Burke said events like the TEACHX Awards were an important opportunity to recognise this.
“Thank you to those remarkable teachers for all you do,” he said.
Commitment to quality education
Kiana Sloane and Benjamin Klein received awards in the Excellence in Beginning to Teach category.
A third-year teacher at AB Paterson College on the Gold Coast, Kiana said the recognition was unexpected, and she was excited and grateful to have been nominated.
With a background in marine biology and conservation, her journey to a career in teaching was a natural fit.
“It’s humbling to be recognised for something going beyond the role of a beginning teacher,” Kiana said.
“I love being a teacher, and receiving a TEACHX Award has been a profound reminder of our impact on students’ lives,” she said.
Kiana is committed to developing the next generation of environmental stewards and established a Years 3 – 12 Sustainability Committee so students could get involved with impactful sustainability projects.
Benjamin Klein, a third-year science teacher at Newman Catholic College in Cairns, said he was incredibly honoured and excited to receive a TEACHX Award.
Before transitioning to teaching, Benjamin worked as a medical scientist for Queensland Health.
“It’s incredibly humbling to be recognised for doing something I’m so passionate about – teaching and inspiring young minds,” Benjamin said.
“The awards also serves as a reminder of the importance of the support networks around us, including our union, which has been instrumental in my journey so far,” he said.
Benjamin is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and ensuring his students experience real-world applications of science in all their learning.
Rebecca Davies, a teacher at Peregian Beach College, said she was very grateful to receive an Excellence in Teaching Award, noting so many teachers across Queensland are doing amazing things every day.
A passionate advocate for increasing girls’ participation in STEM, she recently completed a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.
“The award is a wonderful opportunity to help highlight the great work all teachers are doing, especially here at Peregian Beach College, to individualise learning,” Rebecca said.
Rebecca’s innovative use of technology in classroom practice has improved educational outcomes for diverse learners and students with complex needs.
