For over three decades, Ralph Isele has extended and supported students at Burpengary State School (BSS), their families and the local community in countless ways: in school council, regional sports teams, academic excellence groups and welcoming parents and others into his class, to name a few.

Using data and research, he has worked tirelessly to evaluate the success of teaching programs, and to guide others in the development of their teaching, learning and assessment strategies.

“Everyone works together and finds each other’s strengths to be better at what we're doing,” he said.

There's a common thread running through all his efforts and work: growing students as learners and citizens.

Mr Isele also overhauled the school's science program, giving students access to quality hands-on equipment, including developing an iPad program that significantly improved learning outcomes for students, especially in English, and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with teaching staff to implement it.

“You never stop learning. You’re always looking for ways to create that perfect lesson and get the outcomes for students,” he said.

Mr Isele isn't slowing down any time soon, but he's looking forward to giving back to school communities in retirement.

BSS praises him for his profound impact on students’ trajectories in life, in empowering them to “live a life of choice and not one of chance.”

He is revered by students, teachers, and parents for his ability to inspire awe and a love of learning.

“The relationship with students is so important. To instil curiosity, encourage high expectation and success - and not just the big wins but the small ones too,” he said.

After 31 years in the teaching profession, he hopes students will remember one thing: to keep challenging themselves.

“As the saying goes, the reason why I fail is so I can succeed. You want challenges, and if you have that frame of mind, you don't shy away from them,” Mr Isele shared.

He said one of the things he has found most rewarding as a teacher is the lifetime connection with students.

“I’ve had students who pull up beside me as I’m riding my bike and tell me what they’re doing now. I’m the teacher and person I am today because of the experiences and challenges they shared with me,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful adventure... this school feels like my second home".

Mr Isele is a finalist at the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards, in the Outstanding Contribution to Teaching category.

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