QCT Board Election Submissions

Carolyn Burke
I am in my 20th year of teaching and am experienced in a variety of roles across a number of Queensland schools. I am currently Deputy Principal at Brisbane School of Distance Education, have completed my Masters in Leadership and Management, and use my experience and education to support early careers teachers as well as those who aspire to become leaders in our profession. I have been a career-long member of the QTU, QTU workplace representative and QTU union representative on a number of selection panels and work to ensure our teachers' workplace rights are respected and upheld. I am dedicated to growing our profession’s profile and enhancing the reputation of the teaching profession within our community.

Linda Eager
As a passionate educator and QTU member for 34 years, I have advocated and contributed to conversations for teacher working conditions,  entitlements and support. I actively voice the concerns of the union in a variety of forums, with a solution-based focus. For example, I actively collaborate with universities, regional schools, QTU and EQ to discuss and implement strategies to attract, transition and retain teachers into high priority schools across the state. Ultimately, these actions and advocacy impact our industry positively in addressing the teacher shortage crisis.  In utilising my professional voice, I draw attention to concerns raised by teachers and school leaders, particularly surrounding workloads, mentorship and support for teachers at various career stages. Fundamentally, my role affords me the opportunities to celebrate our passionate and dedicated teachers and promote the profession as a valuable and fulfilling career.

Samantha Ephraims
My name is Samantha Ephraims and I currently teach P-6 Digital Technologies in Bundaberg.
Over the course of my 20+ years of teaching, I have been vocal about my belief that state schools are great schools because of great teachers - and have demonstrated this by investing myself and my children in state education. Teaching has never been harder. I’m passionate about supporting my colleagues to find a work-life balance and ensure the sustainability of our profession - goals the QTU share. I believe that teachers like myself – regional career-teachers, working in low ICSEA schools - are chronically underrepresented at all levels of decision-making. As an active member of the QTU, I would love to represent you on the QCT Board and help to mould the future of our profession, so that we can continue to effectively serve the children of Queensland.

Michael Hornby
I feel very fortunate to be a Teacher and Principal in Queensland. I started my career in Scotland and after working in a variety of schools across the state, find myself as the proud Principal at Indooroopilly State High School. Being an educator in schools today is tough but rewarding. Our profession exists to teach and support students, but another highlight for me is the collegial relationships and friendships gained from teaching. The reason for my application to the QCT board is to support the important governance and high standards of our teaching profession across Queensland.

It is important that there is QTU is represented on the board. I have been a QTU as a teacher and now am a Principal QTU rep and would be comfortable taking that lens into the conversations on the QCT board. I love teaching and being a Principal – upholding everything that makes it a great profession is critical going forward.

Jesse Olds
If elected to the QCT board, my ongoing QTU activism and involvement would be a significant asset in advocating for crucial aspects like work-life balance, teacher wellbeing, and amplifying state school teacher voices in decision-making processes. With a fervent dedication to these areas, I aim to ensure that policies implemented by the board would prioritise the holistic welfare of educators. My advocacy for work-life balance seeks to establish sustainable practices that prevent burnout and support teachers in maintaining fulfilling personal lives alongside their professional commitments. I am deeply committed to promoting teacher wellbeing by advocating for access to resources, support networks, and mental health services.  I strongly believe in amplifying teacher voices in decision-making, ensuring that those directly impacted by policies have a meaningful role in shaping them. Through active engagement with other QTU members and the wider teaching community, I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative approach to governance that reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of Queensland teachers.

Brandon Sturch
My aspiration to join the Queensland College of Teachers Board stems from a genuine desire to contribute to the enhancement and advancement of our profession. Through my active involvement in the Queensland Teachers Union, I have cultivated a keen awareness of the challenges confronting frontline educators on a daily basis and developed the ability to drive meaningful change. My goal is to advocate for the interests and well-being of Queensland educators and to influence the development of regulatory frameworks and policies. I am committed to ensuring that board decisions are grounded in the lived experiences of teachers and to spearheading efforts to address critical issues such as teacher shortages, initial education programs, and professional development. By fostering inclusive dialogue and action, I strive to transform a range of viewpoints into concrete enhancements. I am committed to advancing the teaching profession in Queensland.

Judith Stutchbury
Judith has been a member of the professional and industrial voice of Queensland’s State school teachers and school leaders for close to 30 years. She can bring invaluable perspectives and insights to the Queensland College of Teachers board regarding important issues that impact the teaching profession. Judith’s full-time classroom teaching position allows her to understand the impact of increasing workload and the importance of wellbeing to ensure career fulfilment. This knowledge can inform the board's decision-making processes, ensuring that policies and initiatives prioritise teacher concerns. Judith’s experience working regionally across schools and within communities can also help bridge gaps between different stakeholders, promoting collaboration and unity towards common goals and communication that promotes the teaching profession. Judith operates in a manner that aligns with principles of social responsibility and equity.

Joanne Wolfe
Teaching Instrumental Music in many schools across Far North and South East Queensland for more than thirty years, every day I see how professional, proficient and purposeful teachers deliver quality educational outcomes for their students.  Throughout my career I’ve been a member of the QTU, and currently I’m a Union Rep, Branch Secretary, member of the WH&S Committee and the Instrumental Music Special Interest Group.  I believe that a strong union is our best tool for improving working conditions and ensuring that teachers are valued by the community and our employer.  If elected I will be a voice for state school teachers on the board, helping shape future policy direction and keeping the QCT relevant for 21st Century teachers.