Peter Botsman Award 2010

Leone McKeehan

Leone McKeehan began teaching in the early 1970s and has taught in New South Wales and the Northern Territory as well as in Queensland. Over her career she has assumed a variety of roles in schools. As well as being a classroom English teacher she has also, at various times, been a music teacher and a learning support teacher. In recent years she has been Head of Department for English, ESL and International Students at Urangan State High School. In addition, she is currently an Education Queensland Literacy Coach for her district.

Leone’s energy, professionalism and quality teaching are acknowledged and highly respected by her colleagues and the pre-service teachers who are fortunate enough to be mentored by her. She takes a particular interest in nurturing young teachers in her department and promoting productive collegiality.

She enthusiastically engages in a range of English-related extra-curricular activities such as writing and debating competitions. Her passion for teaching and generous commitment to her students is such that she has been known to volunteer her personal time to conduct Sunday English tutorials.

Her love for English teaching is obvious and infectious and she relishes the opportunities that it provides for unlocking the creativity of young people, engaging students in appreciating the complexities of being human, and guiding and encouraging them to express opinions confidently and articulately.

This award is primarily made to recognize Leone’s contribution to quality English teaching within her own school but it also acknowledges the key role that she has played in the recent formation of a new ETAQ branch in the Wide Bay area. The successful establishment of this new branch is due in no small measure to her reputation, her diligent networking and her commitment to the professional development of her colleagues throughout the area. ETAQ is fortunate indeed that this exemplary educator has been prepared to serve as the inaugural President of the Wide Bay Branch.

Her contributions to quality English teaching both in her own school and beyond make Leone McKeehan a very deserving recipient of this award.