EXCELLENCE IN BEGINNING TO TEACH
#Whateverittakes – that’s the motto of the Education Department’s Far North Queensland region and one that Western Cape College’s early career teacher Brittany Nolan epitomises.
As the College Sports Coordinator, Brittany runs sports carnivals, sports days, awards nights and external visits for over 1000 students and their families dotted across several Western Cape College (WCC) campuses.
A year-level coordinator who teaches Health and Physical and Education, Sport and Recreation, and a Certificate III in Sport & Recreation, Brittany is also a part of the WCC Intensive Literacy and Numeracy program team.
As a trained Classroom Profiler and qualified Beginning Teacher Mentor, she supports other early career teachers and helps them in their transition from provisional to full registration.
As an HPE teacher, she works closely with community organisations and businesses such as the Weipa Town Authority, Sodexo, Weipa Bowls Club, and local National Rugby League and Australian Football League clubs to enhance access to local facilities and expertise, and improve the authenticity of sporting experiences for students.
And as a member of her school’s Wellbeing Case Management team, Brittany was responsible for communicating with students and their families weekly during the period students were learning remotely due to COVID-19 induced restrictions.
WCC Secondary Principal Dan Tonon says Brittany readily takes on additional roles within the College and local community that have a direct benefit for young people.
“Brittany’s passion to impart knowledge using highly engaging learning experiences has fostered successful student outcomes,” Dan says.
“Her leadership of the school’s sporting events over the past two years has been exemplary, supporting the school priority of ‘many communities, one college’,” he says.
“She goes above and beyond to ‘grow’ herself professionally by taking risks and grasping opportunities.”
This year, Brittany has led the establishment of Teacher Top Tips at WCC, providing weekly communication about strategies and best practice tips for staff. She is also currently working with the Far North Queensland region’s Centre for Learning and Wellbeing to develop a capability development framework for College staff.
“In her classes, Brittany creates a safe, respectful and disciplined learning environment where students have opportunities to engage in quality learning experiences,” Dan says.
“She invests in her students to establish positive and trusting relationships,” he says.
Brittany also supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend regional events and competitions, sourcing funding and sponsorship for them.
“Brittany has an upbeat energy, great smile and goes about her duties with enthusiasm,” Dan says.
Congratulations Brittany on being shortlisted for a TEACHX Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.