When Leanne Shead moved to Cairns, knowing nobody, she went to a meeting at the Peninsula Art Educators Association (PAEA), only to discover it may have to fold due to a lack of volunteers.

Gingerly raising her hand, she said, “I am new here, but I will give it a go”.

She describes that decision as a game changer in her pedagogy of teaching Visual Art in the region.

It connected her to a network of teachers that grew - and grew - and inspired her to provide more opportunities for students and teachers to develop their practice and present their work to others.

Fast forward ten years, and the St Monica’s College Visual Art teacher has become a leading advocate for the profession in Far North Queensland.

Visual art, she believes, is for everyone. It fills a cultural and creative niche inside us all. And she has dedicated her teaching career to doing just that.

Her experience spans 28 years, both in NSW and in Far North Queensland, where she has been teaching for the last 11 years, demonstrating excellence both in the classroom and as a Head of Faculty, the Arts (2015 - 2020).

“My enthusiasm appears to be contagious, and the students are drawn to the subject because they feel comfortable and can use art to express themselves,” Ms Shead said.

“The art room becomes a safe place, and this has always been my number one goal.”

Each year, she creates multiple opportunities for students to collaborate as exhibiting artists in public forums and competitions.

She recently brought together 34 students from 11 schools to launch a school-based exhibition – one of many. All four students who entered the prestigious Creative Generation in Excellence in Visual Arts Awards made the state's top 100 in 2021.

“One of the most exciting aspects is the transition of students as they grow in confidence, take risks with ideas and materials, and produce work they are super proud of,” she said.

“Sharing their excitement and sense of achievement is my mental pay day.”

Many of these activities would not be possible without her dedication to grant writing, securing funds and volunteering with professional networks.

Ms Shead also coordinates workshops and exhibitions for teachers, so they can extend and support their practice, for example, an upcoming exhibition where 26 teachers from across the region will exhibit their work together.

A QCAA marker, sessional tutor at James Cook University, and textbook co-author, she is dedicated to excellence in the teaching profession. A practicing artist and gallery owner, she is also the Treasurer of the PAEA network, coordinates the Business Liaison Association Visual Arts Awards, and is studying a Master of Philosophy in Creative Arts.

Ms Shead makes it clear that art can play an important role in academic and personal development.

“The biggest joy is teaching students who select Visual Art in the senior space who are planning on being doctors and lawyers,” she said.

“On the flip side, I also see the creative side of students who may struggle in academic subjects, but art is their thing. It becomes the place and space where they thrive and excel.”

Ms Shead is a finalist at the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards, in the Excellence in Teaching category.

Winners will be announced October 27th, on the eve of World Teachers' Day in Queensland.