SUSAN Peatey’s decision to be a teacher at 40 has been vindicated after the educator received recognition at the 2014 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.
The science teacher at St Columba’s Primary School,Wilston, was runner-up for the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in science teaching in primary schools.
Adelaide teacher Brian Schiller was award recipient.
Mrs Peatey said she was “absolutely thrilled” to have her work and passion for science recognised as the runner-up.
The science teacher has spent 19 years shaping young minds in science but only after constant encouragement from her former parish in Bracken Ridge.
Mrs Peatey, who always wanted to be a teacher, was preoccupied with other vocations, including motherhood.
“I was in a family group (at Bracken Ridge parish) and they told me I really needed to consider teaching,” she said.
With the parish’s gentle push, Mrs Peatey has worked her way towards national respect in primary school science teaching.
She said it was her responsibility to form younger children in the basics of science and that she knew her teaching approach bore much fruit.
“Many of my students progress into science at high school and some have told me that they’ve gotten A’s because of what I’ve taught them,” Mrs Peatey said.
Outside the classroom, Mrs Peatey also lectures and presents workshops to pre-service teachers at the Queensland University of Technology.
QUT graduate diploma for primary program co-ordinator Dr Donna King nominated Mrs Peatey based on her passion for science.
“Susan is an outstanding primary science teacher who inspires pre-service teachers to prioritise science in their classrooms,” Dr King said.
Mrs Peatey said she appreciated St Columba’s administrative staff, who “acknowledged the importance and value of science”.
