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Karen Taylor
Bellbird Park
State Secondary College

Picture
English/Humanities teacher Karen Taylor is building a student-centred and literacy-rich learning environment at Bellbird Park State Secondary College.

Karen understands that where her students are coming from also includes life outside of the classroom and this has informed how she builds relationships with them.
​
Karen has ensured the completion of assessment by students who were at risk of academic failure. As Head of Department Ben Kiehne says, “She has shown them the value of their work and created a sense of pride in what they can achieve.”
Always keen to reflect on best practice and consult with peers, Karen sought guidance to get the disengaged students back on track. Rather than have her students moved to a different class, she consulted with the school leadership team, guidance officers and parents to change the learning environment in her class, restructuring the day of teaching and setting up goals more suited to the individual, which all led to such positive outcomes.

Karen is noted for her common-sense approach to lesson planning. Applying evidence-based pedagogy such as the Gradual Release of Responsibility strategy to build student skills and confidence, she also demonstrates an understanding of where to employ quality feedback to each student.

“Many experienced staff have commented on how refreshing and inspirational it is to observe Karen's classes, and are in turn already taking away new ideas and strategies to trial in their own classes.” Ben says.

Always keen to reflect on best practice, take on research and consult with peers, Karen is an active participant in the school’s Collaborative Learning Community teams.

Her collegial efforts have also included promoting the development of literacy at the school. She has visited other schools, liaised with library staff about current and future library needs, run a student survey, and developed recommended reading resources for the school’s teachers. Karen also worked with library staff to promote the Premier’s Reading Challenge and to coordinate Book Week activities.
​
Congratulations Karen on your nomination.
Queensland College of Teachers
Level 5, 601 Coronation Drive
​Toowong Qld 4066
Call (07) 3377 4777
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  • Home
    • TEACHX AWARDS >
      • Beginning to Teach Award Nominees 2019
      • 2019 TEACHX Winners
      • 2019 TEACHX Finalists
      • 2019 TEACHX Nominees >
        • 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
  • Claire Cummins
  • Anxiety and trauma―an expert’s advice