Michael Smith
Marsden State High School, QLD
Teaching Fellow
Michael Smith is improving teaching quality and consistency at a disadvantaged secondary school in outer Brisbane by boosting the support available to teachers at the beginning of their careers.
By offering development, mentoring and networking opportunities, and ensuring constructive feedback on their classroom performance, the Deputy Principal is attracting and retaining outstanding first-year teachers to Marsden State High School and building a professional community with strong ties to the Logan area. All 55 new teachers who have joined Marsden since 2014 have remained in the profession.
Michael is extending the approach to Marsden’s own students – who are guaranteed a practicum place at their old school if they study education after Year 12 – and to experienced teachers aspiring to higher accreditation.
Through links with four Queensland universities, he is also taking the Mentoring Beginning Teachers model to regional and rural high schools.