A Ninja Warrior competitor and former American baseball player is working with Year 2 students at a Charters Towers school, thanks to a teacher who is inspiring students and colleagues with her practice.

Richmond Hill State School teacher Shai Launer’s community connections have seen “Fitness Guru” and former American baseball player Rory Rhodes work with students. She has also invited a mentor and pedagogical coach to work with her in the classroom to continually improve on her practice.
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Her class’s English Learning Wall and student work have become exemplars for colleagues and Shai is known for her excellent use of technology, including connecting with parents using the Dojo program.

Shai has students with a diverse range of learning difficulties in her class and uses the research of Dr Lyn Sharratt, Professor John Hattie and Dr Anita Archer to inform her teaching.

Her commitment, hard work and dedication to student outcomes is highly valued at the school.

Richmond Hill State School principal Mark Brady says Shai is an outstanding teacher showing pedagogical practices and understanding and knowledge “beyond her years in the classroom”.

He says her commitment to her student’s success through improving their social and emotional learning goals “is to be applauded”.

Shai told the QCT she feels privileged to be nominated and thanked her admin team for the nomination. She explained that since relocating with her fiance and immersing in the country lifestyle, her amazing students, parents, colleagues and the strong community spirit have helped her grow as a teacher. 

Congratulations Shai on your nomination for a QCT Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.