Douglas Black

Mareeba State School

Students are being turned into lifelong learners in Douglas Black’s class thank to his unrelenting persistence in finding out the interests of each student, which he then uses to ‘hook’ them into lessons.

Douglas spends hours matching each student’s interests with individualised engaging resources and then sets specific, targeted and achievable goals which are communicated clearly to both students and parents.

His approach helps to build students’ self-esteem, and excite them about learning.

The Year 6 teacher does all this while using the Explicit Teaching model and draws on the research of Anita Archer, Charles A Hughes, John Hollingsworth and Silver Ybarra. 

He also uses the research of Professor John Hattie to guide intervention strategies for students.

Principal Mandy Whybird says Douglas strives to always improve his teaching practice.

“Douglas works tirelessly to create positive relationships with all his students and makes a determined effort for each of his students to reach their individual goals,” Mandy says.

“Our school’s relationships with our students and broader community are what helps us to achieve success for each of our students, regardless of their needs or background.”

Douglas also runs lunchtime activities for students every term and enthusiastically involves himself in school communities.

His dedication to seeing students succeed and his commitment to the profession has earned the respect of parents and staff at the school.

Congratulations Douglas on your nomination.