Melissa Pilkington
Capalaba State College
After just two years of teaching, Melissa Pilkington is already seen as a leader within her team.
The talented young English and Humanities teacher at Capalaba State College is in the running to be awarded the Queensland College of Teachers Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.
Melissa has shown herself to be a leader in the classroom and with extracurricular pursuits. The 2015 Capalaba State College Year 7 and Year 9 debating teams were mentored by Melissa in the Queensland Debating Union competition, where she helped students improve their communication and public speaking abilities.
She has continued to coach this year’s Year 8 debating team, leading her students to be eligible to compete in the finals. The 2016 Year 7 debating team is also being coached by Melissa and she is now mentoring a fellow colleague to coach, while building the culture of debating within the school.
Melissa consistently works to improve her profession through extensive reading and research on new teaching strategies, including effective ways to use information and communication technologies in the classroom.
She has taught two scholar classes and Authority English, which has further challenged and progressed her differentiation skills in regards to learning activities, planning, feedback, assessment and the mental development of her students.
Melissa regularly attends extra-curricular activities such as Homework Club to further assist in student learning. She also attends student welfare meetings and is currently planning a new work program for the Year 7 and Year 8 well-being classes, “You Can Do It”, with her Junior Secondary Deputy Principal and the Dean of Junior Secondary students.
Over the past two years, the early careers teacher has mentored three preservice teachers from the Queensland University of Technology; two being on their final practice and internship.
Capalaba State College Principal Bronwyn Johnstone says Melissa is a committed young professional who is passionate about teaching and learning.
“She makes every effort to understand the backgrounds and needs of her students to develop effective teaching strategies,” Bronwyn says.
“Her care and concern for her students extends from the classroom into pastoral programs so that the whole child is developed and extended.”
Melissa’s dedication and professionalism means she is widely respected amongst the college.
Congratulations Melissa on your nomination.
- Story by Jessica Schwilk