The QTU lost another fine life member with the death of John Alcorn late in 2017. He was made a life member of the Union in 2001 after a teaching career dating back to 1965.
As principal of Goodna Special School for 18 years from 1981, he contributed in two key areas: as a special educator; and as a principal member of the QTU.
He started teaching at Stanthorpe in 1965. His first appointment in special education was at the Sandgate and Redcliffe Opportunity School in 1971 – the very name conjures up a different time and different ideas of education for those with a disability. His service as a teacher saw him teach in many parts of the state.
According to his nomination for life membership, he used his knowledge and experience to provide the best possible education for his students, to assist and support teachers, and through the union to pursue better conditions and greater promotional opportunities. Anyone who knew him, as was my privilege, knew that there was no exaggeration in his nomination.
John was President of the Ipswich East branch for nine years and the branch’s Council Rep on the State Council where he was a regular and respected contributor on special education, promotion processes and structures and the general issues of the day.
He was very involved with what is now the Education Leaders standing committee under its various previous names, a connection that he maintained even after his retirement.
He was approachable, good-humoured, generous with his knowledge and experience, a keen intellect and for all the time I knew him, with more hair on his chin than on his head.
Vale John Alcorn.
Graham Moloney General Secretary
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 123 No 1, 9 February 2018, p24