TeachX award a valuable lesson in dedication for CQU alumnus Natalie
Natalie Wells’ passion for teaching, fostered by her studies at CQUniversity, has helped her earn recognition at the recent TeachX Awards.
The CQU Bachelor of Education (early Childhood) graduate received the Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award for her 21 years in regional early childhood education.
Natalie is a kindergarten teacher at Heights College in Rockhampton, having secured the position after she graduated from CQU in 2002.
“I feel very honoured to have received this award,” she said.
“I was so excited to receive a nomination for the award and to win is absolutely amazing. I have received such wonderful feedback from my colleagues and the families of my pupils.”
Natalie said her motivations for being a teacher revolved around providing a positive and nurturing environment for her students.
“I believe in providing a positive and nurturing environment for my students to grow and feel comfortable in,” she said.
“I am passionate about the children becoming lifelong learners and I love watching them progress throughout the year and develop new skills, build firm friendships and become more confident.
“I also really enjoy building positive partnerships with families as I consider them to be a very important part of our learning journey.”
Natalie said she still holds fond memories and connections from her time at CQU.
“I graduated from CQU in 2002 and have very fond memories of my course. I met some wonderful people who I still call great friends over 20 years later,” she said.
“The course was very interactive, and I enjoyed the practical side of it, being able to go into schools and watch other teachers implement different learning styles.
“Doing a teaching degree at CQU allowed me to make some wonderful lifelong friendships and has given me a firm foundation to start a teaching career that I absolutely love.”
The TeachX Awards are presented by the Queensland College of Teachers.
