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Donald Cameron
Marsden State High School

Picture
A key player behind a stunning school transformation in Logan is using mindfulness in wellbeing programs aimed at boosting student outcomes and teaching quality.
​
Donald Cameron is the Teaching and Learning Head of Department at Marsden State High School (MSHS), which has teachers and its school improvement agenda being recognised in multiple state and national award programs.

The leader of MSHS’s enormous mentoring program, in which approximately 40 teachers mentor 50 beginning teachers, Donald created a Mindfulness for Teachers program, which is being used to help lead transformation at the school. 
MSHS deputy principal Michael Smith says the program has brought an increase in staff mindfulness, wellbeing and self-compassion, along with decreases in staff stress. The technique is also used at the start of lessons.

“This helps bring the students into the present and helps reduce unnecessary mind chatter, and helps students focus on work,” Michael says.

Donald has developed an Attention Focused Classroom Management Program for the Marsden Beginning Teacher’s program and developed a whole-school teaching framework aligning teaching pedagogy with students’ needs, following extensive review and collaboration with all staff. 

He puts his trust in teachers, creating a ‘toolbox’ of pedagogies so that they can individually choose what is best for their class and students.

The previous Beaudesert and Cavendish Road State High School teacher is in high demand to present his MSHS strategies and programs for university students and other schools, and has developed relationships between MSHS and universities.

“Another measurable impact is the work that Donald puts into preservice teachers—Donald is requested by a number of students every practicum, including one who was willing to travel two hours one-way to be guided by him,” Michael says.
​
Congratulations Donald on your nomination.
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