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Caitlin Odger
Valkyrie
State School

Picture
Caitlin Odger, who teaches across the primary years, has overcome challenges that few beginning teachers face in the first few years of their career.
​
After completing her initial teacher education in Brisbane, Caitlin sought and received permanent employment at Valkyrie State School, which is located in a remote region of Queensland, to teach a combined class of Kindy, Prep and Year 1 students in addition to science for students in Prep to Year 6. 
​Valkyrie State School had recently undergone significant staff turnover and had just appointed a new Principal. While some would consider this set of circumstances a challenge, Caitlin instead took this in her stride and from day one demonstrated confidence, bravery and excellence in her teaching practice.

Teaching across multiple year levels in the one class while navigating multiple curricula can be complex. However, Caitlin’s sophisticated working knowledge of the Australian Curriculum and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines, and her ability to draw from a diverse range of teaching techniques have allowed her to manage this complexity with grace.
Her ability to do so is evident in the success of her students, who all achieve above ‘C’ level.

To motivate and inspire her diverse group of students, Caitlin consistently seeks innovative approaches to learning. She draws from hands-on and practical experiential approaches and inquiry. For example, to support student’s biological inquiry into plant growth, she worked with her students to construct and nurture a vegetable garden. This is simply one example of how Caitlin’s firm commitment to her students’ learning is borne out in her practice.

In order to continually improve her practice, Caitlin actively seeks online professional development and reading and travels significant distances (a 300km return trip) to attend conferences where possible.

She also supports her colleagues’ learning, and is actively engaged in professional conversations and professional learning sessions. Her professional maturity and excellence was recognised when she was asked to serve as Acting Principal for a period of time.

Caitlin is clearly an indispensable asset to Valkyrie State School.
​
Congratulations on your nomination, Caitlin! 
Queensland College of Teachers
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​Toowong Qld 4066
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  • Home
  • TEACHX AWARDS
    • 2019 TEACHX Winners
    • 2019 TEACHX Finalists
    • 2019 TEACHX Nominees >
      • Beginning to Teach Award Nominees 2019
      • OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY AWARD NOMINEES 2019
      • Excellence in Teaching Award Nominees 2019
      • Innovation in Teaching Award Nominees 2019
      • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award Nominees 2019
      • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award Nominees 2019
  • Teacher Stories
    • Teaching graduates meet tough standards
    • Rachel Downie
    • The importance of teachers
    • Marsden State High School has the answer to keeping beginning teachers in the classroom
    • Exceptional support for early career teachers in Far North Queensland
    • QBECT
    • 2018 Awards >
      • 2018 Winners
      • 2018 Finalists
      • 2018 Nominees >
        • Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award
        • Excellence in Teaching Award
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award
        • Outstanding Contribution to School Community Award
    • 2017 Awards >
      • 2017 Winners
      • 2017finalists
      • 2017 nominees >
        • Excellence in Beginning to Teach
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning
        • Excellence in Teaching
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
    • 2016 Awards >
      • Excellence in Beginning to Teach
      • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning
      • Excellence in Teaching
      • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
    • HAT and LT >
      • Meet the Assessors
      • Ruth Graham
      • Tracey Peden
      • Helen and Dwayne
      • Carly Sopronick
      • Jessica Roberts
      • Jessica Roth
    • OAM >
      • Kathryn George, OAM
      • Keith Graham, OAM
      • Dr Judith Grimes, OAM
      • Michael Goodwin, OAM
      • Steve Parle, OAM
      • Dr Lyn Bishop, OAM
      • Dr Catherine Day, OAM
    • Taryn Gollshewsky
    • Vanuatu
    • NAIDOC >
      • NAIDOC Week 2017
      • NAIDOC Week 2016
    • QLD Day >
      • Bundaberg East State School
      • St Catherine's Catholic College
      • Mornington Island State School
      • Queensland Week 2016
    • ANZAC
  • Anxiety and trauma―an expert’s advice