From teacher aide to deputy principal, proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman Amanda Budby has forged her teaching career building relationships with students and their families, helping them reach their potential.
From teaching in classrooms to her current leadership position as Deputy Principal at
North Shore State School in Townsville, Amanda inspires First Nations students to develop their cultural connections.
Teacher aide to deputy principal
Amanda had always loved working with students and knew she had the potential to take the next step into teaching.
'The teachers I was working with at the time encouraged me to consider teaching. Working with small groups and seeing their growth, academically and personally, made me believe I could do it,' she said.
'Filling out that application form, I was a bit nervous, but I applied and was accepted to university at Central Queensland University in Mackay and was a successful applicant for the
Pearl Duncan Scholarship.
'I did my 3-year degree, and then I could pick anywhere in Queensland to teach, and I picked Mount Carmel, a state school 20km south of Sarina, where I was living.
'I spent 4 years teaching in a small country town. Then I wanted something bigger, so I transferred to Townsville and ended up at Kelso State School for 6 and a half years teaching in a classroom, but then came off and did community liaison work and student leadership, and then from there, I went into the regional office as a principal advisor working with students who were learning an additional language other than English.’
Although these roles were an excellent opportunity to experience being part of a leadership team, Amanda initially wasn't sure if she wanted to leave the classroom.
'I think I was scared of not being in the classroom because I love working with students,' she said.
'But it was the encouragement of my boss back then, who is actually my boss right now. He just slowly took me off class into different roles, and then I could see that I could still maintain a connection with students as a school leader, but in a different way.'
Amanda sitting in on a class in the library
Inspiring generations of First Nations students
Throughout the evolution of her career, Amanda has sought to inspire other First Nations kids to develop their cultural connection and is excited about the opportunities and programs now available.
'Now that I’m a deputy principal, I am aware of the influence I have,’ she said.
'If I can be a role model for students, keep them on track and help them succeed, then it’s worth it, particularly for First Nations kids.'
'When I was at school, the opportunities were limited, but now there is so much more.'
Amanda and her colleagues have implemented Deadly Choices, an educational program centred around empowering First Nations students. Hear from Amanda about the positive impact the program is having.