When Courtney McConchie’s daughter hears her teacher’s name, her face lights up.

Calamvale Special School teacher Jenna Bartlam has a class of students with a diverse and complex range of learning and medical needs.

Courtney says the second-year teacher is able to engage students through her enthusiasm, professional knowledge and commitment.

“Not only does she care for these children’s needs, but she has made a significant breakthrough in these children’s education,” Courtney says.

“These children have all progressed and achieved their personal goals through the guidance and teaching from Jenna,” she says.

“She is enthusiastic to come to school each day and greets students every day like it is the first time she has met them. The children’s faces just light up when they see her. My daughter just has to hear her name and I see the joy on her face to have another day with Jenna.”

She loves teaching so she engages her students through her passion for learning. Her professionalism and commitment is outstanding. She goes above and beyond in every aspect of her duties as a teacher.

Jenna is always asking parents about how she can improve and better connect with their children, and her welcoming of them into the classroom is highly appreciated.

“As parents we feel very valued and supported by Jenna listening and following through with our requests,” Courtney says.

Jenna’s passion for teaching is clear not only to parents, but also to her colleagues.

Calamvale Special School principal Susan Howell says Jenna has also been a part of a school Process Based Learning project, which requires the Years 7 and 8 teacher to take on an enormous amount of knowledge and learn many new skills that normally wouldn’t be required of a beginning teacher.

“Not only has Jenna achieved this, she has done it with enthusiasm and passion,” Susan says.

“Her dedication to her class and her ability to engage with a multidisciplinary team and families is exemplary.”

When contacted by The QCT, Jenna said "Thank you to Courtney McConchie for nominating me for a QCT Award."

​"I feel absolutely privileged to be a a teacher and to be a part of these students lives. I have learnt so much from my students and their families, and continue to grow personally and professionally with every working moment." 

 Congratulations Jenna on your nomination for a QCT Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.