All about me

In 2006 I made the transition from primary-trained supply teacher /nursery business owner to three days per week part-time Business/IT teacher at Oakey State High School.

As I lacked many of the skills needed I found the position professionally challenging. So I bought a laptop computer and began the on-going process of professional development to improve my ICT expertise and understanding and use of sound educational pedagogy.

My comfort and familiarity using ICT’s gives me confidence to learn new skills; and a practical business background allows me to design meaningful authentic learning experiences while integrating ICTs into the Business and IT curriculum. ICT’s are integral to the Vocational Certificate courses I teach and I must create work-like situations to assess the many competencies of these units.

It has been quite a journey in such a short period of time. Included in my professional develpment has been the necessity to become compliant teaching Vocational Education and Training (VET). Last year I successfully completed the RPL process to gain my Cert IV TAA in Workplace Training and Assessment.

My education continues this year with my enrolment in the Masters of Education Technology at USQ and the ICT Pedagogical Licence with a pathway to university credit. I have completed my first subject FET5621 Introduction to Web Design with High Distinction and full marks for my final assignment "Lorikeet Lodge Webquest". I am presently studying "Computers in Education" while individually learning how to use Moodle CMS that I have just installed on my educational learning site.

I am what some people would call a "late starter" but I call a " lifelong learner". After twenty years of looking for a permanent career in Education Queensland, I am eager to prove that I still have what it takes to be a dedicated teacher. The motto "where there's a will there's a way" was my mother's favourite saying many years ago and it has guided me throughout my career.

I am waiting for the educational technology learning curve to level out however I have a feeling that this may never happen.