Jenny Elford

Bray Park State High School

Jenny Elford is an outstanding and enthusiastic Humanities and French teacher, a coordinator who helps school leaders to become global citizens, and a colleague who is always there to offer professional advice.

But it is her inherent kindness which colleagues say they admire the most; she inspires others around her to “strive to be better and kinder”.

The Bray Park State High School teacher has transformed many lives in her teaching career of over 40 years.

Principal Kirsten Ferdinands says Jenny is highly valued among all students and staff “and shows an exemplary compassion and commitment to all students in her care”.

Jenny is the teacher who bakes cakes not only for colleagues’ birthdays but for her Senior students as well. She helps other teachers plan curriculum and design assessment.

As the teacher in charge of the Student Council, she encouraged students to enact change and has been behind many charity drives and improvements to the physical aspects of the school.

As a French teacher, past French coordinator and former Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority panel member, her passion for the language and Francophile countries is infectious.

Humanities Head of Department Katrina Makings says Jenny is a dream to work with because she is realistic, hard-working, has a good sense of humour, meets all deadlines and strives to make learning fun for all of her students, including through the use of technology.

​“It is really difficult to put into words what makes Jenny Elford so special, but I think it is her inherent kindness,” Katrina says.

“She is one of the loveliest and nicest people I know and this makes me strive to be better and kinder in my own interaction with others.”

Fellow French teacher, Libby Saxby, says Jenny reflects the French notion of l’education, which is an education that encompasses the development of the whole person.

“Her commitment to all areas of her teaching and to the broader education of young people is inspiring.

It is inspiring, and undertaken with the greatest degrees of kindness, tenacity and humility,” Libby says.

Jenny has been teaching for 47 years and has been nominated this year for the Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award.

Congratulations Jenny on your nomination.