Regina Miller never thought she would become a teacher, let alone at the age of 38. But as a parent of a child with special needs, she wanted the best for daughter and now as a teacher, she wants the same for her students. 

Regina’s teaching journey began shortly after the passing of her daughter, who attended a special school for two and a half years. She was motivated to make a difference to students like her daughter, and approached a local special school seeking work as a teacher aide.

After discovering the immense capabilities of her students and finding the work so rewarding, Regina knew she wanted to teach. She went to university and became a Special Education Teacher.

Regina’s nominator and Principal Fleur Watson says she is a highly-committed and energised school leader who always goes above and beyond what is required of her. 

​“Regina is able to use her experience and skills as a teacher aide and combine them with her new professional knowledge of teaching, while continuing to develop and reflect upon her skills to be an outstanding teacher,” Principal Fleur Watson said.

Her dedication to self-improvement extended into the holidays, when she participated in the special education literacy intensive, which has helped refine her skills. She is currently working on her pedagogical and instructional coaching skills.

Regina has become proficient in Auslan so she can personally interact with her deaf students, and ensures that her non-verbal students are constantly exposed to augmentative and alternative communication devices to give them a voice. 

Regina told the QCT, "I believe that it is up to us, as educators to make sure that we give each child the opportunity to shine." 

​"I have had the pleasure of teaching some amazing children that have changed me for the better, I feel like I am the luckiest person to be able to go to work every day. Every day I get to learn life lessons from my students, and I hope that I get to help them to reach their goals and become the successful and amazing people that I know they can be." 

Regina is leading the embedding of disability-specific literacy practices across the school and uses these skills to model and provide coaching and feedback to other staff.

“Regina has built positive relationships with students, staff, parents and community members and has assisted the school in procuring two grants for school improvements.  She is always ready to help and keen to take on new initiatives,” Fleur said.
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Congratulations Regina on your QCT Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award nomination.