Sign language, songs, technology and bright pictures are used by an exceptional second-year teacher to engage her Prep to Year 2 students at Hervey Bay Special School.
 
Kristina (Krissy) Jensen works daily with Auslan interpreters in her classroom and collaborates closely with occupational and speech therapists, Autism Queensland and a guidance officer to support the complex needs of her students.
 
Hervey Bay Special School (HBSS) colleague Shellie Pursey says Krissy’s ability to make learning engaging and valuable “is clearly evident”.

“Krissy uses an interactive program on the Interactive Panel using bright and colourful pictures and songs to encourage engagement to task,” Shellie says.

“She effectively adapts the morning program as the students’ skills and interests change and develop to meet their current educational needs,” she says.
 
“The program has been extremely successful for one student in particular who was unable to sit for one minute in Term 1 and is now sitting for 5 to 10 minutes in Term 2.”
 
HBSS principal Karen Folley says Krissy’s ability to manage the behaviour and communication needs of her students, while providing a safe and supportive environment, is commendable.

“Krissy has proven herself to be an excellent teacher, demonstrating exceptional knowledge of the curriculum and delivering it with outstanding skill in differentiation to meet the individual needs of all of her students,” Karen says.

Krissy has also been praised for establishing supportive and collaborative relationships with families and colleagues, and for collaborating with teachers and leaders at a neighbouring school in a Professional Learning Committee.
 
Congratulations Krissy on your nomination for a QCT Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.