What is your role at QACI, and what subjects do you teach?
I teach Year 10 Science, Year 11 Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), and Year 11 Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
What inspired you to become a teacher, and what do you love most about working in the IB program?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, inspired by my mum and the impact I saw firsthand growing up. As an IB and QACI alumna, I greatly benefited from the programme’s rigour and attention to detail, which instilled a lifelong love of learning. What I value most about the IB is its focus on inquiry, global mindedness, and purposeful learning.
How do you bring real world connections into your teaching? Any exciting collaborations or projects?
With a background in media, I bring contemporary, real-world material into the classroom. I use case studies, documentaries, news reports, and articles to anchor learning in current global contexts. I want students to see that what they are learning extends far beyond the classroom. A key focus for me is helping students recognise that their assessments are not just academic tasks, but reflections of real-world skills, including critical thinking, communication, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with complex issues.
Can you share a memorable teaching moment or student success story?
While teaching in Bowen, North Queensland, I was involved in a positive behaviour program designed to support students’ social and emotional development. One of my Year 7 students and I connected instantly. Through informal moments—boxing together, sharing food, and simply spending time building trust—I was able to see beyond the classroom behaviours that often define students. Not long after, that same student chose to sit at the front of the classroom, engaging in her learning in a way she hadn’t before.
For me, this moment reinforced something fundamental: when students feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued, they begin to show up differently. Creating a safe, respectful space where students know they belong is not an added extra; it is the foundation of meaningful learning.
What is something unique about QACI’s learning experience that sets it apart?
QACI is a place where individuality is genuinely valued. Students are encouraged to explore their strengths and passions, and in doing so, contribute to a dynamic and vibrant learning environment. There is a strong sense that everyone has something unique to offer, and that diversity of thought strengthens the whole community.
Do you have any interesting career highlights, achievements, or passions outside of teaching?
I am currently completing postgraduate studies in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This has given me a deeper understanding of language and literacy, and how to design learning experiences that are accessible and inclusive for all students. It has been incredibly valuable in shaping my approach to teaching.
What is one piece of advice you would give students for their future?
Progress over perfection, but more importantly, start before you feel ready. You don’t need to have everything figured out. The students who grow the most are the ones who show up, try, reflect, and try again. Small, consistent actions compound over time, building confidence, skill, and direction.
Which IB Learner Profile resonates most with you, and why?
I most connect with being open-minded and an inquirer. I am deeply curious about the world and constantly seek to learn from different perspectives. One of my favourite quotes, often attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche, is: “The most dangerous form of blindness is believing that your perspective is the only reality.” For me, education is about expanding how we see, think, and understand, and remaining open to that process.