Supporting our students of all abilities to thrive

22/10/2024
World Teachers' Day 2024

​©Brisbane Catholic Education ​

For Kylie Basham and Kate Trotter from St Benedict’s Primary School Mango Hill, being a Support Teacher Inclusive Education (STIE) is a calling.   

A calling to ensure students of all abilities and backgrounds can access the curriculum and participate in school life in partnership with parents and families.   

Kylie’s work helps set students in the early years up for success in their new school environment, while Kate works with students in the senior primary years to pave a smooth transition into high school.    

Kate said the best way to describe their role was as a case manager for students, building relationships and partnerships with every person in the school community and sourcing the necessary community support needed.    

“We work with Brisbane Catholic Education Guidance Counsellors, Primary Learning Leaders, teachers and families, along with external support services and professionals,” Kate said.   

In a typical day, STIE’s are problem solving with teachers, developing individual learning plans and ensuring students receive the right level of support – which may include modifications to the physical environment or learning and sensory adjustments.   

“We are also always on hand to provide emotional support for those children who are having a bad day or a tricky moment,” Kylie said.     

“There are a lot of hugs, and we hand out a lot of tissues to parents, teachers, and students.”      

While the days are busy, Kylie said it was an absolute privilege to walk with families.    

“The gift for me in my job is listening to families and empowering them to navigate the system and advocate for the rights of their children,” Kylie said.    

“We often meet families who may not know what support is available. My aim is to make sure their journey at St Benedict’s is a rewarding and happy experience.”    

For Kate, the calling was more personal, with her two brothers leaving school in Years 10 and 11 because they didn’t “fit the mould” of school life or the school system at the time.    

“This experience really impacted me in my teaching and drew me to this role, as I didn’t want to see this happen to other students with different abilities,” she said.     

“We work from a lens of inclusion, finding a way to support the diverse learning needs of our students and making adjustments in the classroom to ensure that each child has the support they need to thrive.    

“We want to change the environment, not change our students, because it is their uniqueness that makes them all so special.”     

St Benedict’s College Principal, Patrick Davis said Kate and Kylie are wonderful contributors to the school community.     

“Kate and Kylie lead the essence of what it means to be an inclusive place of learning,” Patrick said.    

“I know our students are in good hands.”  

​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' Make a Difference. If you would like to thank a staff member at a BCE school, share your appreciation via our virtual message board.

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