Jessica Harvey
Andergrove State School
After just 18 months of teaching, Jessica Harvey was made an Acting Deputy Principal.
Having now taught for two-and-a-half years, she coordinates Year 1, the iPad Management Committee, the Sporting Schools program and the School-wide Positive Behaviour Support Committee at Andergrove State School.
Her enthusiasm, self-motivation, dedication to research and professional development to deliver best practice in the classroom, and her willingness and capability to take on leadership roles, are among the reasons she has been nominated for a Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.
Jessica says she feels very honoured to be acknowledged for her work.
“I very often tell people that it’s the best job in the world and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says.
“I love the difference that you make – I suppose that sounds clichéd – but the small successes are just the best.
When you see a kid being able to draw the ‘s’ the right way around, it’s just those little things. I am very lucky in Grade 1 as well, that you do see tremendous amounts of growth from your students.”
Jessica’s leadership talents were identified after her first year of teaching and she was nominated to undertake the State Government’s “Take the Lead” course.
Her first leadership role was on the iPad management committee, and she is passionate about the difference iPads can make, particularly for students who are disengaged.
“I don’t use them all the time, but the number of children that I can access and engage in a lesson when I am using my iPad is far greater than if I was just doing my chalk and talk,” she says.
She has been praised for her ability to engage even the most challenging students. For her, it’s about developing high expectations, setting boundaries and developing strong relationships with students. Staff now frequently seek out her assistance for iPad advice.
“You work hard and I think what you put in to it you really get back,” she says of teaching.
“It is such a fulfilling career.”
Having now taught for two-and-a-half years, she coordinates Year 1, the iPad Management Committee, the Sporting Schools program and the School-wide Positive Behaviour Support Committee at Andergrove State School.
Her enthusiasm, self-motivation, dedication to research and professional development to deliver best practice in the classroom, and her willingness and capability to take on leadership roles, are among the reasons she has been nominated for a Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.
Jessica says she feels very honoured to be acknowledged for her work.
“I very often tell people that it’s the best job in the world and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says.
“I love the difference that you make – I suppose that sounds clichéd – but the small successes are just the best.
When you see a kid being able to draw the ‘s’ the right way around, it’s just those little things. I am very lucky in Grade 1 as well, that you do see tremendous amounts of growth from your students.”
Jessica’s leadership talents were identified after her first year of teaching and she was nominated to undertake the State Government’s “Take the Lead” course.
Her first leadership role was on the iPad management committee, and she is passionate about the difference iPads can make, particularly for students who are disengaged.
“I don’t use them all the time, but the number of children that I can access and engage in a lesson when I am using my iPad is far greater than if I was just doing my chalk and talk,” she says.
She has been praised for her ability to engage even the most challenging students. For her, it’s about developing high expectations, setting boundaries and developing strong relationships with students. Staff now frequently seek out her assistance for iPad advice.
“You work hard and I think what you put in to it you really get back,” she says of teaching.
“It is such a fulfilling career.”