Robyn Buchanan-Hodgson

Whites Hill State College

Passionate teachers make learning fun and effortless for students, and Robyn Buchanan-Hodgson is renowned for sharing her passion with staff and students at Whites Hill State College.

Robyn is a literacy and pedagogy coach whose experience and expertise drive the college’s focus on teacher excellence.

For 30 years she has taught across Junior and Senior Secondary in a range of subjects including HPE, English, History, Geography and Health.

Her curriculum leadership and experience in Junior Secondary means she is able to support teachers to promote literacy in all faculties.

The demands of reading in every subject require all teachers at Whites Hill to engage with explicit teaching strategies, and coaching provides situated, ongoing and customised professional development for all staff, from beginning teachers to heads of department.

Robyn’s strong relational skills mean that coaching has become an essential part of reflective teacher practices.

Robyn’s style of coaching and guidance brings out the best in teachers who want to extend their professional practice.

She conducts coaching cycles which include goal setting, planning support and classroom observations.

Intensive feedback sessions ensure teachers are empowered to improve classroom instructional practices for the benefit of all students.

Recent feedback from the school improvement unit formally recognised the impact of coaching, universally praised by WHSC teachers across the college.  

Robyn also practices what she preaches, through the modelling of this learning philosophy to fellow staff members.
She has been instrumental in the creation of the college’s new pedagogical framework, and through the combination of her experience and external knowledge, designs effective professional development in reading and pedagogy for all teachers from P – 12.

Her catchphrase is, “To quote my good friends Hattie, Fisher and Frey,” a reference to three of the top pedagogical experts who influence Robyn’s work.

Principal Paul Robertson says Robyn is an exceptional leader.

“Robyn has significantly impacted the pedagogical practices of teachers and leaders alike, whereby she is sought by them beyond the capability of time available,” Mr Robertson says.

​“Her work has improved their pedagogy, behaviour management, student engagement and literacy practices.”

Congratulations Robyn on your nomination.