Barbara Pearson
Emmaus College
In her almost 46 years of teaching, Barbara Pearson has worn many hats and seen many changes in secondary education in Queensland.
She began her teaching career at Moranbah Secondary Department in 1972 where she was the only Science teacher and her laboratory was a classroom in a demountable building with no water or electricity. During her career, Barbara has inspired a love for Biology, Sciences, Mathematics and Religion among students in the Central Queensland region. She has taught in both single-sex and co-educational schools and has taken pride in the achievements of her many students. |
Barbara is now in the running to be awarded the 2017 QCT Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award.
As Acting Principal, Assistant Principal, Director of Studies, Head of Science, Careers Coordinator, Vocational Education and Training Coordinator and Head of Religious Education, Barbara has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills for several generations of students and teachers. Emmaus College Principal Eamon Hannan says that in addition to being an excellent classroom practitioner, Barbara is also an excellent mentor for less experienced teachers. Barbara has supported the teaching of Biology in the Rockhampton district and Queensland for 32 years. She has made significant contributions to the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority as a member and chair of the district panel and member of the state review panel for Biology. Assistant Principal Sharon Lapere says Barbara’s professionalism has been invaluable to the many colleagues she has mentored and inspired. “Her students have always benefited not only from her intellect, wide-ranging subject knowledge and understanding but also by her willingness to innovate and adapt to the changing priorities of education over a number of decades,” explains Sharon. Barbara has achieved higher education qualifications, including a Master of Educational Leadership and Graduate Certificate in Career Development.
Barbara has had a wonderful impact on the standard of teaching and learning in the Rockhampton region. She attributes her longevity as a teacher to her many inspirational work colleagues, her passion for helping adolescents enrich their education and to the challenges inherent in the teaching profession which motivates teachers to strive for excellence. Congratulations Barbara on your nomination. |