Meet the QTU Special Education Committee
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 3, 3 May 2024, page 14.
The QTU Special Education Committee exists to oversee and monitor a range of special education issues, including but not limited to inclusive education policy, SWD staffing, NCCD, and NDIS. It makes recommendations and gives advice to QTU State Council, Conference and Executive and considers reports from QTU Representatives on outside bodies. Here members explain why they give up their time to serve on the committee.
Tracey Banks
I am passionate about the students, families, and schools I support, and want to contribute to providing a better environment for learning and working for them all, as well as advocating for the very important work we do and ensuring our specialist knowledge isn’t lost.
Sheldon Boland
I volunteer my time to develop, implement and promote actions that achieve positive outcomes for stakeholders within special education.
Janet Firmstone
The committee provides an opportunity to explore and discuss matters specific to special education. It provides a forum to seek further Union advocacy, influence departmental policy and procedure, and provide direct feedback to system leaders within the department.
Glenn Gatehouse
The Special Education Committee is a direct representation of members who work in a variety of settings across the state, meeting the diverse needs of all learners. I volunteer my time to have direct input and influence on the future of special education in Queensland.
Bec Gater
The Committee provides an avenue for the needs and perspectives of special education staff to be recognised and heard. When we have better conditions for teachers and leaders of students with additional needs, everyone in the school benefits. Safe and supported teachers bring their best selves to work each day.
Susan Hoad
I volunteer my time because I value diversity and prioritise working proactively with others to support our organisations and staff in effectively meeting the needs of all students.
Kate Kermode
Volunteering on the special education committee extends my advocacy for students' rights and supports colleagues' rights, fostering collective greatness through mutual support.
Steve Leese
I volunteer because I want to continue to advocate for the best working conditions for our members working in special education settings, and the best learning conditions for the students we teach.
Sarah Lockwood
I volunteer my time to be solution focused and advocate for teachers working with students with disabilities, and to work collaboratively and influence positive change for staff, students and families.
Jenny Mcleod
I volunteer my time to be part of a team that can lead change and capability building of others for children of all abilities and their families to achieve success in all areas of their development.
Paris Northwood
I volunteer my time on the Special Education Committee to advocate for our most vulnerable learners and provide the highest quality support for families and staff.
Natalie Petersen
I volunteer my time to represent the voices of the teachers and HOSES of our wonderful ECDPs, so that their needs and concerns are shared with decision-makers in the QTU.
Lauren Quinn
I volunteer to actively contribute to a collaborative team that fosters meaningful change and promotes inclusive environments where all students can thrive and strive to be the very best that they can be, while also advocating for holistic success in all aspects of their lives.
Jo Sheppard
I joined the committee to demonstrate ongoing inclusivity, as well as to continue to advocate, communicate, educate and inspire our students as well as their stakeholders.
Tracey Banks
I am passionate about the students, families, and schools I support, and want to contribute to providing a better environment for learning and working for them all, as well as advocating for the very important work we do and ensuring our specialist knowledge isn’t lost.
Sheldon Boland
I volunteer my time to develop, implement and promote actions that achieve positive outcomes for stakeholders within special education.
Janet Firmstone
The committee provides an opportunity to explore and discuss matters specific to special education. It provides a forum to seek further Union advocacy, influence departmental policy and procedure, and provide direct feedback to system leaders within the department.
Glenn Gatehouse
The Special Education Committee is a direct representation of members who work in a variety of settings across the state, meeting the diverse needs of all learners. I volunteer my time to have direct input and influence on the future of special education in Queensland.
Bec Gator
The Committee provides an avenue for the needs and perspectives of special education staff to be recognised and heard. When we have better conditions for teachers and leaders of students with additional needs, everyone in the school benefits. Safe and supported teachers bring their best selves to work each day.
Susan Hoads
I volunteer my time because I value diversity and prioritise working proactively with others to support our organisations and staff in effectively meeting the needs of all students.
Steve Leese
I volunteer because I want to continue to advocate for the best working conditions for our members working in special education settings, and the best learning conditions for the students we teach.
Sarah Lockwood
I volunteer my time to be solution focused and advocate for teachers working with students with disabilities, and to work collaboratively and influence positive change for staff, students and families.
Jenny Mcleod
I volunteer my time to be part of a team that can lead change and capability building of others for children of all abilities and their families to achieve success in all areas of their development.
Paris Northwood
I volunteer my time on the Special Education Committee to advocate for our most vulnerable learners and provide the highest quality support for families and staff.
Natalie Petersen
I volunteer my time to represent the voices of the teachers and HOSES of our wonderful ECDPs, so that their needs and concerns are shared with decision-makers in the QTU.
Jo Shepphard
I joined the committee to demonstrate ongoing inclusivity, as well as to continue to advocate, communicate, educate and inspire our students as well as their stakeholders.