Berenice Furlong has been described by her peers as an exemplary Senior Teacher has transformed the lives of thousands of students.

Colleague Kirsten Caruso says that, as Year 11 Co-ordinator, Berenice has enabled “many students to engage with additional support services and (to hold) higher behavioural expectations of themselves as a result”.
​
“Berenice (also) regularly inspires me and other teachers through professional conversations and observations – she always has an engaging idea for curriculum or behavioural support,” Kirsten says.

Described by colleague Kate Steinhardt as a “gentle, positive, passionate and encouraging Experienced Senior Teacher who genuinely cares for her students”, Berenice motivates and inspires students while building their self-worth. 

“Berenice is a friendly, helpful and professional colleague (who) regularly mentors colleagues and trains preservice teachers,” Kate notes, making special mention of how Berenice “generously shares knowledge, expertise, resources and time to enable quality teaching partnerships and student education”.

Not surprisingly, her contribution at Centenary State High School has been recognised via the Thank You Teacher Award, the school’s Community Service Award and the Business Educators Association Queensland (BEAQ) Business Award.

“Berenice values preparing students to lead productive and successful lives and has been instrumental in the introduction of programs such as ECOMAN and the QUT BlueShift program,” Kirsten says, “(and) through these programs, students gain experience at solving realistic business issues.”

The Business, English and Legal Studies teacher’s influence has also reached beyond the school gates, with state-wide contributions to syllabus and learning tools as well as teacher development.

As a member of BEAQ and the Business 2019 Syllabus Expert Writing Team, Berenice has co-authored a textbook and delivered several two-day QCAA workshops around the state on the incoming syllabus
She has also conducted many sessions through BEAQ to better connect teachers with meaningful learning experiences to enhance their skills.

Berenice has also represented Queensland Business teachers at the Business Educators Association (BEA) meeting in Sydney, providing BEA with information on curriculum issues relevant in our state.

As State Panel Chair Business Management for the QCAA, Berenice supports District Panel Chairs, provides guidance to Business Management teachers across Queensland, and gives feedback to two international schools on their delivery and progress of their students.

Congratulations Berenice on your nomination.