Rebecca Davies at Peregian Beach College was among 31 outstanding teachers across the state from state and non-state schools, and early childhood and university settings to be recognised last week in the 2024 TEACHX Awards, hosted by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT).
Rebecca took up teaching because she wanted to make the same impact on students that some of her amazing teacher had made on her.
“What I love about teaching is the “ah-ha” moment, when children have struggled with learning something new and make a breakthrough,“ she said.
“One of the biggest challenges, and benefits, strangely enough, is technology – children are exposed to things at a much younger age and managing the attention demands of social media and gaming can be very difficult for children, especially given their prefrontal cortex is still developing. The social-emotional impacts of this are definitely beginning to become apparent.“
It was Rebecca’s innovative approaches and use of technology that not only attracted the attention of judges but have ensured students with complex learning needs can access and benefit from the curriculum.
Her application of assistive technology proved transformative for a student with vision impairment, seamlessly integrating tools that enabled him to participate fully in classroom activities.
Her efforts not only supported the student’s learning but also boosted his confidence, demonstrating her commitment to ethical and creative teaching practices.
Rebecca actively collaborates with colleagues, parents, and the wider school community to promote the use of technology for students facing learning difficulties such as dyslexia and developmental delays.
A passionate advocate for increasing female participation in STEM education, she has organised several initiatives to engage girls in STEM fields, including mentoring robotics groups and leading the TechGirls competition at her school.
Her efforts to address the gender gap in STEM are further exemplified through professional development workshops for staff and her presentations at national conferences.
Recently graduating with a Master of Education in Leadership, Rebecca’s focus on evidence-based practices has positively impacted student learning. Her remarkable contributions to education technology and inclusive learning have earned her recognition as an Apple Distinguished Educator, one of only three on the Sunshine Coast.
Rebecca was attracted to teach at Peregian Beach College because of the school’s “most beautiful sense of community“.
“Inclusion’ is one of the school’s key values, and they really live that every day with the way students are valued as individuals who each bring something special to the school community. In terms of technology to help learning, it can be an amazing tool when used well. Through assistive technology teachers now can provide learning opportunities for students who previously may have missed out due to additional learning needs or other disabilities. It also opens the door to a world of information, allowing students to connect to schools from around the world, research any question they have immediately, and provides so many creative outlets.
“I think technology will increasingly be used to facilitate learning opportunities for students that wouldn’t otherwise be possible, but that with the rise of AI we will also see the importance of connecting with each other in person.“
In addition to her classroom achievements, Rebecca has founded TeachMeets on the Sunshine Coast, offering free professional development events for teachers. These gatherings foster collaboration and share best practices while promoting teacher well-being.
QCT Board Chair, Emeritus Professor Wendy Patton, congratulated the winners ahead of the TEACHX Awards ceremony in Brisbane on Thursday 24 October – the eve of World Teachers’ Day in Queensland.
“This year’s recipients continue a proud tradition of exemplifying the extraordinary work teachers do to improve their students’ education and inspire their colleagues,” she said.
“Their enthusiasm, innovation, and unwavering commitment to education have set a remarkable standard for excellence within our community.”
Over the past 16 years, more than 120 teachers have received TEACHX Awards after being nominated by their peers and making it through the rigorous judging process.
Their accomplishments range from improving at-risk students’ attendance rates, and creating projects to practise entrepreneurial skills, to implementing digital lessons that pair robotics with dance moves and introducing therapy dogs in schools.
The TEACHX Awards are sponsored by Principal Partners: the Queensland Department of Education, and Presenting Partners: TUH Health Fund, RemServ Lease, Griffith University and Schoolzine.
