Sunshine Beach school lights path for teachers

Preservice teacher, Gabby, guiding Sunshine Beach SS learners Korah and Leilani.

Sunshine Beach State School (SBSS) has earned its reputation as a sought-after destination for pre-service teachers from universities across Australia. The school’s rich learning environment, the unique attributes of being a Glasser Quality School and an accredited International School, coupled with consistently excellent academic results, make it a prime choice for aspiring educators.

SBSS boasts a team of experienced, caring, and dedicated teachers who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of educators. Principal Alison Welch shared her thoughts on the school’s appeal: “At SBSS, we’re not just about delivering high-quality education to our students but also creating an environment that fosters professional growth. We are proud to open our doors to pre-service teachers and provide them with a comprehensive and realistic experience.”

The school’s commitment to positive relationships, respect, the value of trying one’s hardest, and personal responsibility are ingrained in its culture. This ethos makes SBSS a standout choice for pre-service teachers who want to gain practical experience in a school that emphasizes these values.

SBSS hosts pre-service teachers from various universities, including University of the Sunshine Coast, Central Queensland University, Curtin, Edith Cowan, University of Queensland, Southern Cross University, Griffith University, and Swinburne. These aspiring educators are drawn to SBSS for its dedication to the Glasser philosophy, an environment that nurtures high performance, and a progressive approach to education.

Gabby Andrade, a recent pre-service teacher from the University of Southern Queensland, based in Toowoomba, chose SBSS for her professional placement. Gabby shared her experience, saying, “I live in a rural town called Quilpie, 12 hours west of Noosa. I requested SBSS for my placement as I had heard so many wonderful things about the school. I was keen to learn more about the Glasser philosophy and experience being in a high-performing, supportive, and progressive school. I was fortunate to be offered a placement in a Year 4 class with Traci Hozier as my supervising teacher. I gained valuable knowledge and learnt effective teaching strategies, and I am very grateful for this experience. The students were friendly, well-behaved, and eager to learn, making it a rewarding, enriching experience that has left me with many fond memories. Even though I was a long way from home and missed my family greatly, I can’t wait to come back to Sunshine Beach State School next year to complete my next placement.”

SBSS’s reputation as a hub of educational excellence stems from its unwavering commitment to delivering quality education, fostering professional growth, and creating a positive and nurturing learning environment. Pre-service teachers find themselves not just welcomed but immersed in an environment that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for their future careers.