QCT Board

Emeritus Professor Wendy Patton

Chair
Nominee of the Minister

Wendy completed her degree in secondary education at James Cook University. Following periods working as a teacher, curriculum developer and guidance officer, she joined the former Brisbane College of Advanced Education as a lecturer in 1989. She completed Honours and a PhD in Psychology part-time throughout this period at The University of Queensland, and her PhD was awarded in the same year BCAE became Queensland University of Technology.

Wendy was appointed Professor and Head of School of Learning and Professional Studies in the Faculty of Education in 2002, and in 2006 was appointed Executive Dean of the Faculty.

In 2016 Wendy received The Miller-Grassie Award for Outstanding Leadership from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, and presented the Miller-Grassie Oration at the Queensland Annual Awards Celebration. In the same year, Wendy received an award from the Australian Council of Deans of Education for Outstanding Contribution to Education and the ACDE Board. Later in 2016, the QUT Council conferred the title Emeritus Professor in recognition of Wendy’s extensive leadership in, and service to, the university and to teacher education, and her significant contribution to research in the field of career development.

Wendy is a graduate of the Company Directors course of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

First appointed 4 August 2017.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2026.

Aleisha Connellan

Practising teacher nominated by the Queensland Independent Education Union (QIEU)

Aleisha is an Assistant Principal at St Francis College.

I have been an employee of Brisbane Catholic Education and a member of IEU-QNT since I started teaching some 30 years ago. Experienced in various roles across the primary school spectrum, I am currently Assistant Principal at a vibrant, highly multicultural P–12 college in Logan. I have completed a number of post-graduate courses, including two Masters, and am a graduate of AICD. I am passionate about education of teachers and students.

I advocate for the development of policies based on research that enhance the reputation of the teaching profession and result in professional standards and codes of practice which appropriately reflect the values, needs and expectations of teachers, students, other educational stakeholders and society.

First appointed 1 January 2009.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027

Andrew Beattie

Practising teacher nominated by the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU)

Andrew has over 20 years of experience in a broad range of educational settings. Originally a Mathematics/Science teacher, he moved into school leadership in 2009. Andrew has fulfilled Deputy Principal and Principal roles in both primary and secondary state schools.

Andrew is a member of the Queensland Teachers’ Union’s Education Leaders’ Committee and the Australian Education Union’s National Principals’ Committee.

Andrew has extensive experience as a QTU Principal Union Representative and represents the QTU on principal selection panels. He is a current member of the QTU State council and has previously served multiple terms on the QTU Executive.

Andrew is passionate about ensuring the standing of the teaching profession in the wider community is continually promoted and enhanced. He also has an interest in the development and retention of new career teachers.

First appointed 8 April 2021.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Professor Beryl Exley

Practising teacher educator nominated jointly by universities providing an approved preservice teacher education program

Beryl is a Professor of English Curriculum and Literacies Education at Griffith University, specializing in teacher education and research on curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment reform. She has held leadership roles, including Deputy Head of School at Griffith (2018-2022), National President of the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (2017-2019), and International Chair of the International Development Oceania Committee (2015-2017). Beryl is involved in several educational committees and holds multiple degrees, including a PhD. Her honours include being a National Ambassador for Literacy and Numeracy Week (2008) and receiving Life Membership from the Australian Literacy Educators' Association (2019). She was awarded the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Teacher Education Award in 2024.

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Linda Eager

Elected State school practising teacher

As the Director of Kelvin Grove State College’s Teacher Enhancement Centre, Linda Eager has been instrumental in beginning teachers staying longer in rural, regional and remote schools. A long-standing member of the QCT Professional Standards Committee, Mrs Eager has worked across primary, middle and high schools, has led school-wide curriculum, professional learning and expert teaching teams, and is a regular Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership panellist for the national accreditation of teacher education programs.

First appointed 1 January 2022.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Vicky Walduck

Practising teacher representing State schools, nominated by the Director-General, Department of Education

Vicky has over 20 years’ experience in a range of educational settings. She has taught in remote and metropolitan areas of Queensland and has been in leadership roles since 2012. She is currently Head of Department - Prep to 6 at North Lakes State College.

Vicky is a passionate educator and curriculum leader who enjoys working with teachers to develop an engaging curriculum that allows all students to be successful. She believes strongly in providing quality education for all, by empowering teachers and building their capability and confidence when differentiating for individual learners.

Vicky hopes the credibility and profile of teaching continues to grow in the community and that teachers can be acknowledged for the vital role they play in shaping Queensland’s future.

First appointed 7 December 2023.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

David Bliss

Nominee of the Association of Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ)

David is an experienced school leader in the Independent Schooling Sector. He has taught for 38 years in public and independent schooling sectors.

He is currently the Principal of St Andrews Lutheran College, an Early Learning to Year 12 school of more than 1400 students at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast.

He has served in an extensive range of positions, including in rural and semi-remote schools in Queensland. In the past decade, prior to commencing at St Andrews, he was Principal of Immanuel Lutheran College on the Sunshine Coast for eight years and served for two years as the Executive Director of Lutheran Education Queensland. As such, he is richly experienced in both the operational and strategic oversight of schools, including the challenges and opportunities which befall the schooling sector up to and including the Ministerial level. He has a particular interest in Teacher Education Training and ongoing professional development of teachers.

As a Graduate of the Company Directors Course of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he is well equipped to understand and execute sound contemporary practice in corporate governance.

David has been an ISQ Board Member since 2017 and was first appointed to the Board of the Queensland College of Teachers in 2019.

First appointed 1 January 2019.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Tim Horne

Nominee of the Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens’ Associations (P&Cs Qld)

Tim is a seasoned leader with 18 years of experience spanning the public and the non-profit sectors. With management expertise in defence, disaster management and parliament, Tim has a proven record leading capability establishment, policy development, strategy, and governance functions in complex and dynamic environments.

Tim has postgraduate qualifications in leadership and public policy and is a Certified Practicing Manager. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

As Non-Executive Director on the Board of P&Cs Queensland, Tim is engaged with the contemporary issues facing Queensland’s education sector and its communities. He is passionate about the teaching profession in Queensland and aspires to enhance educational outcomes for families of veterans and children with additional needs.

Appointed from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Judith Stutchbury

Elected State school practising teacher

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Judith is a Senior Teacher and Program Manager for the Australian Government's Reef Guardian Program at Kalkie State School in Bundaberg. She has held roles as Regional Communications Officer and Media Officer for Education Queensland, and founded initiatives such as a regional TV segment for schools and award-winning science events. Judith is the author of HATCH Saves the Reef and serves on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Local Marine Advisory Committee. She's working on establishing an international Sister School partnership focused on environmental education. Judith's achievements include receiving the 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching, being a finalist for Teacher of the Year in 2018, and winning the Luke Curnow Australian Conservation Award. Passionate about fostering curiosity and real-world learning, she is committed to inspiring students and educators alike.

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Louise Kliese

Practising teacher representing State schools, nominated by the Director‑General, Department of Education

Louise has over 30 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership across various schools, including Brisbane, Palm Island, and London.

She served as acting Principal in a two-teacher school and was a 2018 state finalist for 'Teacher of the Year' for her work with highly capable students.

A coach in Future Problem Solving (FPS), Louise has guided teams to national and global success, and she is an FPS evaluator and National Fellow.

She is passionate about STEM education and, as Chair of the Kids' STEM Convention, connects over 300 students and teachers annually with industry experts.

A lifelong learner, Louise holds a Master of Education and is a qualified International Growth Coach. She mentors new teachers and provides professional learning on high-impact pedagogy.

Currently, Louise serves as Head of Department – Curriculum at a metropolitan State School.

First appointed 1 January 2022.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Ronnelle Sanders

Practising teacher representing non-State schools, jointly nominated by the QCEC and ISQ

 

Ronnelle is a passionate Lead teacher with a focus on literacy development, especially in Early Years and EAL/D contexts. With experience as a Primary and Early Years teacher, as well as an EAL/D Coordinator, she has worked in both State and Independent education sectors. Ronnelle is a strong advocate for literacy, having spoken at local, national, and international conferences. She has been recognised for her work in improving literacy strategies and promoting professional growth for teachers. After receiving an International PD Scholarship, she trained in oracy programs and further developed her expertise through the Oracy Leaders Program. Ronnelle co-founded the EAL/D Community of Practice in Southeast Queensland, supporting teachers and enhancing professional learning. Her leadership in Action Research Projects and co-authored publications on oracy and parental engagement has made a significant impact. In 2024, she was named one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators for her contributions to education.

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Denielle Leishman

Joint nominee of the Federation of Parents and Friends Associations of Catholic Schools in Queensland and the Queensland Independent Schools Parents’ Network

 

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Dr Andrea O’Brien

Nominee of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC)

Andrea has over 40 years’ experience as a teacher, principal and system level leader within Catholic education across the state of Queensland. Beginning her professional life as a secondary teacher in Mt Isa, Andrea continued to serve as principal at St Margaret Mary’s College and Ryan Catholic College in Townsville, and at Clairvaux MacKillop College in Upper Mt Gravatt, in Brisbane. Experience at the system level includes work as a Project Officer at the Catholic Education Office in Townsville, a Senior Leader with responsibility for School Improvement and Review within Brisbane Catholic Education and currently as the Director of School Effectiveness (Secondary and P-12) with Catholic Education Services, Cairns.

Areas of interest include women and leadership, the complexities of the role of the principal and principal wellbeing and sustainability.

First appointed 16 July 2020.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027..

Chris Lassig

Nominee of the Director‑General, Department of Education

Chris is the Assistant Director-General – School and Region Reviews overseeing the Department of Education’s program of school, region and system reviews supporting continuous improvement in Queensland state schools. He is a highly accomplished and experienced educator with more than 30 years in roles across Queensland. Chris has been a teacher, Head of Department, Deputy Principal and Principal prior to holding leadership roles across the department including Assistant Regional Director North Coast Region and Executive Director. He has worked with both large and small school communities across Queensland metro, rural and remote locations and is a passionate advocate of school improvement and improved outcomes for all students and school communities. Chris has a deep understanding and recognition of the important work of teachers and the teaching profession.

First appointed 29 June 2023.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Anna Pickering

Elected non-State school practising teacher

 

 

 

Appointed for theterm 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.