Vanessa Dunbar
Annandale Christian College, Townsville
Annandale Christian College students are “working” as politicians in Year 6, are writing their own newsletter and are receiving visits from guest speakers thanks to an inspirational teacher nominated for a state teaching award.
Vanessa Dunbar transforms her classroom into a mini-Parliament House to help students understand democratic government. She has also started a class newsletter to generate creativity and hone her students’ writing skills.
These creative and interactive lessons are just one of the reasons Vanessa has been nominated for the Queensland College of Teachers Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.
Vanessa recognises her students’ affinity with technology, and invites them to lead the learning experience by creating the content used for lessons.
During lunch breaks, Vanessa hosts “meet ups” for students in her class to help smooth out any behavioural and social issues.
She also extends invitations to guest speakers and specialist teachers from the wider community to aid her in teaching most effectively.
Principal Daniel Clarke commends the immediate impact Vanessa has made at Annandale Christian College during her first year of teaching.
“Vanessa shares her infectious love of life and learning with her students,” Daniel says.
“She constantly finds new ways to engage students in their learning and creativity.”
She also shares her journey as a teacher, and posts tips for colleagues, on Instagram.
Congratulations Vanessa on your nomination.
Vanessa Dunbar transforms her classroom into a mini-Parliament House to help students understand democratic government. She has also started a class newsletter to generate creativity and hone her students’ writing skills.
These creative and interactive lessons are just one of the reasons Vanessa has been nominated for the Queensland College of Teachers Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.
Vanessa recognises her students’ affinity with technology, and invites them to lead the learning experience by creating the content used for lessons.
During lunch breaks, Vanessa hosts “meet ups” for students in her class to help smooth out any behavioural and social issues.
She also extends invitations to guest speakers and specialist teachers from the wider community to aid her in teaching most effectively.
Principal Daniel Clarke commends the immediate impact Vanessa has made at Annandale Christian College during her first year of teaching.
“Vanessa shares her infectious love of life and learning with her students,” Daniel says.
“She constantly finds new ways to engage students in their learning and creativity.”
She also shares her journey as a teacher, and posts tips for colleagues, on Instagram.
Congratulations Vanessa on your nomination.
- Story by Jessica Schwilk