Teach Queensland

With 35 years’ experience teaching History in Queensland state schools, Darlene has dedicated her career to encouraging her students to see History as an investigation into people, cultures, beliefs and the human experience, rather than memorising dates and events.

‘History education is incredibly important because it develops informed, thoughtful and empathetic young people,’ she says.

As Head of Department for Humanities and Library at Kepnock State High School in our North Coast Region, Darlene recently collaborated with authors Frane Lessac and Mark Greenwood on a World War I project. Students are researching Bundaberg’s soldiers and nurses and will eventually see their work published in a commemorative book shared with the Sir John Monash Centre!

‘Experiences like this broaden students’ horizons and help them understand that stories from regional Queensland matter on a global stage.’

Darlene’s passion doesn’t stop there. For the past four years, she has championed the Coral Coast Literature Festival, giving regional students opportunities to learn from nationally-recognised authors and illustrators. She’s also had unforgettable experiences like chaperoning the Premier’s ANZAC Prize Tour to Europe and participating in the Gandel Holocaust Studies Program, which she says shaped her teaching journey.

Reflecting on her career highlights, Darlene shared her remarkable experience excavating Egyptian tombs with renowned Egyptologist Professor Naguib Kanawati. 🏺

‘Standing in tombs thousands of years old, uncovering artefacts, and engaging directly with evidence of the past reinforced for me the importance of inquiry, curiosity and discovery in education.’

Back home, Darlene ensures her students understand the remarkable history of their own community. Whether it’s uncovering the local community’s ties to World War II often hidden within local memorials, beaches, museums and communities, or sharing stories of local World War heroes, Darlene loves showing her students that ‘ordinary Queenslanders lived extraordinary lives worthy of remembrance.’

Her exceptional contributions to History education across the state have not gone unnoticed. In 2025 she was awarded Outstanding History Educator by the Queensland History Teachers Association.

Are you ready to shape the future by bringing the past to life? Explore history teaching opportunities in Queensland state schools by talking with our teacher recruitment team: https://app4.vision6.com.au/em/forms/subscribe.php?db=892207&s=987339&a=71652&k=1%2CADa2AvZSXFynTWdzSA8ut1D9uiAEuCq7go6Bp5fyc4g

Cheers to Queensland winters, where ‘layers’ mean sunscreen and long sleeves.

Feeling cold in the southern states? Warm up in Queensland. Find out about the teaching opportunities awaiting you in Semester 2 and 2027: https://teach.qld.gov.au/ready-to-apply/eligibility-to-apply/interstate-teachers. ☀️

Looking for a meaningful teaching role in a truly inspiring setting? Look no further than Doomadgee! 🌏🎓

Located in Queensland’s stunning Gulf Country on the traditional lands of the Gangalidda, Garrawa and Waanyi peoples, Doomadgee is a community where culture, education, and nature come together.

Doomadgee State School is at the heart of this vibrant community, offering teachers the chance to work in a unique environment where every student is empowered to grow academically, culturally and socially. As a teacher here, you’ll benefit from:

✅ A culturally connected approach to education
✅ Strong community values and support networks
✅ The ability to foster lifelong learning in a remote and dynamic setting

Beyond the classroom, Doomadgee offers a distinctive lifestyle shaped by local cultural traditions and the breathtaking natural beauty of the outback. From the flowing Nicholson River to the nearby Boodjamulla National Park, there’s so much to explore and embrace.

📸 Thank you to Miss Nicole from Doomadgee State School for sharing her camera roll with us!

👉 Take the next step and discover why teaching in Doomadgee is a fulfilling and life-changing opportunity. Contact our recruitment team today to find out more: https://ems.gs/3AzW0cshbhp

Preservice teachers, catch up with us this week online or in person to talk about your future career!
📅 Wednesday 3 June: Live Chat: Ready, set… Teach! Tips for graduates. Register here: https://bit.ly/48pF5zq
📅 Thursday 4 June: University of Queensland Professional Year Orientation & Careers Fair
Check out our events calendar for upcoming opportunities to connect with us, in person and online: https://teach.qld.gov.au/events-and-community/events-calendar

🎉 Congratulations to all of the Queensland state schools, teachers and school leaders who were recognised by the 2026 Australian Education Awards! Great things are happening in state schools across our state, thanks to the efforts of our fantastic staff.

Huge congratulations to the following award winners:

🏆 Department Head of the Year: Joni Cameron, Coombabah State High School

🏆 Department Head of the Year: Lauren Askin, Yeronga State High School

🏆 Department Head of the Year: Rebecca Isakson, Park Ridge State High School

🏆 Deputy Principal of the Year: Tameeka Schelks, Coombabah State High School

🏆 Deputy Principal of the Year: Ava Sorgel, Bellbird Park State Secondary College

🏆 Primary School Principal of the Year - Government: Martine Gill, Clover Hill State School

🏆 Primary School Principal of the Year - Government: Charlie Moncada, Wilsonton State School

🏆 Primary School Principal of the Year - Government: Matthew Bulger, Yarrilee State School

🏆 Primary School Teacher of the Year - Government: Cassie Walker, Holland Park State School

🏆 Primary School Teacher of the Year - Government: Emily Graham, Tagai State College, St Paul’s Ngurpay Lag Campus

🏆 Primary School Teacher of the Year - Government: Jill Spicer, Forest Lake State School

🏆 Primary School Teacher of the Year - Government: Lisa Fleming, Stretton State College

🏆 Primary School Teacher of the Year - Government: Mara Graham, Clover Hill State School

🏆 School Principal of the Year - Government: Chris Owen, Bremer State High School

🏆 School Principal of the Year - Government: Julie Learoyd, Hervey Bay State High School

🏆 School Principal of the Year - Government: Karen Tanks, Mansfield State High School

🏆 School Principal of the Year - Government: Kristie de Brenni, Queensland Pathways State College

🏆 School Principal of the Year - Government: Sharon Amos, Park Ridge State High School

🏆 Secondary School Teacher of the Year - Government: David Moran, Bellbird Park State Secondary College

🏆 Secondary School Teacher of the Year - Government: Erin Pender, Loganlea State High School

🏆 Secondary School Teacher of the Year - Government: Tania Malik, Coombabah State High School

🏆 Best Co-curricular Program: Bellbird Park State Secondary College

🏆 Best Co-curricular Program: Caningeraba State School

🏆 Best Co-curricular Program: Marsden State High School

🏆 Street Science Best Stem Program: Brisbane South State Secondary College

🏆 Street Science Best Stem Program: Brisbane State High School

🏆 Street Science Best Stem Program: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology

🏆 Toodle Best Use of Technology: Marsden State High School

🏆 OneSchool Global Innovation in Curriculum Design: Bellbird Park State Secondary College

🏆 OneSchool Global Innovation in Curriculum Design: Broadbeach State School

🏆 OneSchool Global Innovation in Curriculum Design: Corinda State High School

🏆 OneSchool Global Innovation in Curriculum Design: Yeronga State High School

🏆 Innovation in Learning Environment Design: Marsden State High School

🏆 Best First Nations Education Program: Bellbird Park State Secondary College

🏆 Best First Nations Education Program: Coombabah State High School

🏆 Kingswood College Best Professional Learning Program: Marsden State High School

🏆 Best Student Wellbeing Program: Bellbird Park State Secondary College

🏆 Best Student Wellbeing Program: Yarrilee State School

🏆 Best Student Wellbeing Program: Yeronga State High School

🏆 Woolworths at Work Primary School of the Year - Government: Broadbeach State School

🏆 Woolworths at Work Primary School of the Year - Government: Clover Hill State School

🏆 A Team Tuition Secondary School of the Year - Government: Park Ridge State High School

🏆 A Team Tuition Secondary School of the Year - Government: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics & Technology

🏆 A Team Tuition Secondary School of the Year - Government: Queensland Pathways State College

🏆 A Team Tuition Secondary School of the Year - Government: Yeronga State High School

Check out the full list of winners here: https://educatorawards.com/2026-winners-excellence-awardees

The Excellence Awardees for the 2026 Australian Education Awards have been revealed! Check out the full list to see if you or your nominees made the cut!

https://hubs.la/Q04g37BW0

Join the celebration on 7 August 2026 at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Tapiwa connected with our teacher recruitment team and was supported to find a role that suited her skills and preferences. ⭐📋✅

'The Talk to a Recruiter service supported me throughout the process by providing clear guidance and answering my questions,’ she told us. ‘I found the process straightforward and well-organised, which made it much less stressful. It gave me confidence in taking on a rural position.’

We asked Tapiwa why teachers should consider asking our recruiters about rural and remote positions. 💪 ‘I think going rural or remote offers a unique and rewarding experience. This role has been an exciting opportunity for me to continue growing both professionally and personally. I am able to build strong relationships with students, colleagues and families, and I feel like I am part of a close-knit community. Professionally, it allows me to take on new challenges and continue developing as an educator. It has also given me the chance to experience a different lifestyle and explore new places.’

Tapiwa began her teaching journey due to a strong passion for working with young learners, gaining experience in a range of school settings across New Zealand and Australia.

Now she has a teaching role at Blackwater North State School in Central Queensland. ‘I love the supportive and welcoming environment at Blackwater North State School. The students are enthusiastic and eager to learn, which makes teaching very rewarding. There is a strong sense of community within the school and everyone works together to support student success.’ 💗

Tapiwa enjoys spending time with colleagues and friends through activities like going for walks and exploring the local area. 🌳 'I also enjoy visiting nearby towns such as Emerald, Rockhampton and Mackay, where I go out for meals and try different places to eat. These experiences have helped me build strong friendships and feel connected to both the school and the wider community.'

If you weren’t able to make it to last week’s career fair, our recruiters can contact you and help you explore if teaching in regional, rural or remote schools is the right for you. Complete our quick expression of interest form and a recruiter will contact you: https://ems.gs/3AzW0cshbhp.

Stepping into your first teaching role soon? Not sure where to start? We’ve got you!

Next week, join our online panel of teachers, school leaders and recruitment experts as they share practical tips, real‑life insights and the support available to help you:

✅ Kickstart your teaching career with confidence

✅ Set yourself up for success from day one

✅ Find your rhythm in your first classroom

✅ Access the support offered to beginning teachers in Queensland state schools

✅ Explore employment opportunities and learn how to navigate recruitment processes.

Whether you're feeling excited, nervous or a little bit of both, this session will give you the guidance you need to begin strong.

💻 Live Chat: Ready, set…Teach! Tips for graduates | Wednesday 3 June | AEST 5pm–5.45pm

Register now and get ready to make your teaching debut your best first step: https://bit.ly/48pF5zq

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Teach Rural Career Fair on Saturday! ☀️

It was a great day full of inspiring and meaningful conversations with current and future state school teachers, and opportunities for valuable networking with recruiters, teachers, principals and regional representatives from across Queensland.

Missed out? Save the date for the Teach Queensland Career Fair on Saturday, 5 September 2026—we can't wait to see you there!

Alright, class, settle down! It’s Game Day, and today we’ll focus on an important life lesson: Perseverance (you’ll need it, Blues fans 😉). Let’s go through the plan together:

1️⃣ Roll call:

Maroons fans, raise your hands! Great, you're ready to ace this. 💪

Blues fans… don’t worry, we’re here to support you through another character-building lesson.

2️⃣ Learning intention:

Understand the art of graciousness in both victory and defeat. 🏆

3️⃣ Class work:

Maroons fans: Practice writing your celebratory speeches–don’t forget proper spelling, grammar and punctuation! ✍️

Blues fans: Draft a reflective journal entry about resilience and how to grow stronger from setbacks.

4️⃣ Homework:

Maroons fans, prepare a brief oral presentation on how it feels to win. Again. Bonus points for integrating sportsmanship into your reflections.

Blues fans, please provide a self-assessment on why you keep trying (we admire your enthusiasm ❤️).

Remember, class: State of Origin isn't just about footy. It's about teamwork, determination and supporting one another (even when it’s tough for some people).