A record-breaking start - early career teacher achieves historic student results

"Seeing that spark in their eyes when they've built something on their own. Seeing that reaction and knowing I've helped them achieve it is incredibly rewarding,” - St Peter Claver College, Riverview Digital Technologies Teacher Cassandra Schultz. 

Winning a Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Excellence Award is an outstanding achievement at any stage of a teaching career. But for Technology Teacher Cassandra Schultz, the recognition is especially significant, having received the Australian Catholic University Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher in Secondary School in her second year of teaching. 

A calling to the classroom 

Since joining St Peter Claver College in 2025, Cassandra has demonstrated that impact is not measured by years of service, but by the difference made in the lives of students.  

"I spent more than 15 years working in the information technology industry before making the move into teaching," Cassandra said. 

"Technology has always been a passion of mine, but I realised what I loved most wasn't just the technology itself, it was helping people understand it.  

“Teaching gives me the opportunity to share that passion and help students discover what they're capable of creating.” 

Connecting Learning to the real world 

St Peter Claver College Principal Charles Brauer said Cassandra’s impact was most evident in the 2025 graduating Digital Solutions cohort, which achieved the highest results in the school's history. 

“Students recorded an average score of 78.5 out of 100, with the highest-achieving student attaining 92,” he said. 

“Even more impressively, the cohort equalled and marginally exceeded the Queensland state median. 

“For an early career teacher, these results are extraordinary.” 

Charles adds that, drawing on her industry experience, Cassandra is able to connect classroom concepts to authentic, real-world applications for students.  

“Students don't simply learn about technology, they experience it,” he said. 

“Whether programming robots to complete practical challenges, solving real-world coding problems or collaborating on digital solutions, students are immersed in learning that is relevant, engaging, and future focused.” 

"I want my students to leave the classroom with more than technical skills. I want them to develop a curiosity for technology and a confidence to create, innovate, and solve problems,” Cassandra said. 

Making a difference

Charles adds that Cassandra's influence extends far beyond the impressive academic results. 

"What is remarkable about Cassandra is the way she has immersed herself in every aspect of College life,” he said. 

“While many early career teachers are still finding their feet, she is already helping shape teaching and learning within the Technology Department and making a meaningful contribution to the broader College community. 

"She actively supports collaborative planning within the Technology Department and contributes to broader school life through initiatives such as the Sewcialites Sewing Club, where students explore sewing and creative textiles in a supportive and welcoming environment." 

Cassandra hopes her teaching journey encourages other early career teachers to back themselves and embrace the opportunities that come with this rewarding profession. 

"I hope other teachers see that making a difference isn't about how long you've been teaching. It's about building relationships, believing in your students, and helping them believe in themselves,” Cassandra said. 

Learn more about Cassandra Schultz: 

Favourite game? - I don't currently play much, but the most recent game I really enjoyed was Pokopia. Growing up, my favourite game was Kingdom Hearts. 

Favourite digital technologies topic to teach? - I don’t really have a favourite. What I love most is anything that allows a student to get creative and build something new. Although building Lego Robots and programming them to drive themselves is awesome. 

Coffee order?  - No Coffee for me, just a hot chocolate when it’s cold. 

A teacher who inspired you? - My high school math teacher was my inspiration to pursue university and then eventually get back into teaching. 

What's one thing that makes you smile every day? - I’m a very positive person so almost everything makes me smile. Greeting my students at the door of the classroom always puts a smile on my face. 

Hobbies outside of work? - I love to sew and create clothing for my family. I also play the Viola in a small community strings ensemble. 

Why would you encourage others to consider teaching as a career? - Being able to pass on your knowledge to help shape the future generations is very rewarding. Knowing that you could inspire someone to go on to further study or even just awaken that interest in a topic that they may not have thought of before. 

For more information about St Peter Claver College, Riverview or to enrol click here. 

Find a Catholic School in Ipswich today! Click here. 

About Queensland World Teachers’ Day  

Queensland World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and applaud our teachers for the important role they play in our communities and for the positive impact they have on the lives of students. This year’s Queensland theme is teachers change lives.  

This year’s BCE theme is a message directly from our students ‘Thank you for believing in us,’ and throughout October, our school communities are invited to share messages of gratitude.  

If you would like to thank a staff member at a BCE school, share your appreciation on your school’s Gratitude Wall, take a photo and tag BCE on social media.  

 #ThanksBCEStaff and #WTDQLD  

Image caption: St Peter Claver College, Riverview Technology Teacher and BCE Excellence Award winner Cassandra Schultz. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).