Sarah-Jane Cawood’s determination to see that Distance Education students with dyslexia are provided with speciality software to support their learning, and that all Riverside Christian College Distance Education School staff have access to the software, is just one of the reasons she has been nominated for a QCT Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.

The second-year teacher is known for going ‘above and beyond’ in her commitment to both students and her teaching practice.

​This year she paid for her own Professional Development (PD) opportunity, flying herself down to Melbourne to attend a specialist PD for early learners. When students have faced issues in which they might not be able to continue their learning, Sarah-Jane has actively sought solutions for them.

The second-year teacher has excelled in a complex environment which requires live sessions with students through web-conferencing, and the delivery of curriculum though booklet-based material.

Parents have written to the school to praise Sarah-Jane’s work.

Supervisor David Jeffs says Sarah-Jane employs a range of teaching strategies and uses evidence-based practices.

“Sarah-Jane displays a high level of professionalism within and outside of the college and has contributed to meetings, focus groups and specialty regional activity days throughout the state where she has interacted with students, parents and carers in an outstanding manner,” David says.

Congratulations Sarah-Jane on your QCT Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award nomination.