Small School, Big Achievement As Abergowrie Principal Recognised With Prestigious Queensland Teaching Award

Teaching Principal Laura-Beth Martin outside Abergowrie State School. Photo supplied

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Abergowrie State School Teaching Principal Laura-Beth Martin has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to education, receiving the Dr John Dwyer Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award at the 2026 Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) TEACHX Awards.

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The Queensland-wide awards celebrate excellence across the teaching profession, recognising educators who make a meaningful difference to students, colleagues and their wider school communities.

This year, the QCT received 375 nominations across all categories, with 84 shortlisted candidates and 26 award recipients recognised for their achievements across Queensland.

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For Laura-Beth, receiving the prestigious honour while leading a small rural school is a particularly meaningful achievement, reflecting her commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality learning opportunities, regardless of where they live.

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“I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this award. To be recognised alongside so many inspiring educators from across Queensland is something I never imagined,” Laura-Beth said.

“Being a Teaching Principal in a small rural school means wearing many hats, but it also provides the wonderful opportunity to really know every child, their family and their individual strengths.

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“I have always believed that a child's postcode or the size of their school should never determine the opportunities available to them. Every child deserves to feel seen, valued and connected, and to have access to meaningful learning experiences that help them thrive.”

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Beginning her career in rural North Queensland, Laura-Beth has built a strong culture of belonging at Abergowrie State School through meaningful relationships with students, families and the wider community.

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Her leadership has extended beyond the classroom, with a commitment to reconciliation and cultural awareness strengthened through collaboration with Warrgamay Elders. This work contributed to Abergowrie State School receiving the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Education Award.

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She has also championed nature-based and play-focused learning initiatives, creating opportunities for students to explore, develop new skills and learn beyond traditional classroom settings.

The Dr John Dwyer Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award recognises educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, empower colleagues, positively influence their school communitiesand make an outstanding contribution to the teaching profession.

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Laura-Beth acknowledged that the recognition extended beyond her individual efforts, highlighting the collective work of the school community in supporting students and creating an environment where they can thrive.

“This award is not just about me. It reflects the dedication of our wonderful staff, the support of our families and the strong relationships we have built with our wider community,” she said.

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“At Abergowrie State School, we often say ‘Small School, Big Heart’, and I think this award is a lovely reminder that exceptional educational leadership isn't determined by the size of a school, but by the difference we make in the lives of children.

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“I am incredibly proud of our little school and what we continue to achieve together.”

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The 2026 TEACHX Awards recognised educators from metropolitan and regional settings, including Mossman, Abergowrie, Cloncurry, Rockhampton and Toowoomba, highlighting the important work being undertaken in schools across Queensland.

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Laura-Beth’s achievement will be celebrated with her students, colleagues and the broader Abergowrie community, alongside Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa. A date for the local celebration is yet to be confirmed.

Her recognition is a proud moment for Abergowrie State School and the wider Hinchinbrook community, demonstrating that the impact of strong educational leadership is not measured by the size of a school, but by the opportunities and impact created for its students.

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