A career choice as easy as ABC for teacher Chrystal

Based in Roma, Queensland, Chrystal teaches both the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121), with a focus on workplace delivery that supports educators in some of the most remote communities in the state. 

Before joining TAFE Queensland, Chrystal spent many years working in early childhood education as an educator in local childcare centres. Her transition into teaching came from a deep desire to grow the next generation of educators.

“My passion for education and care for young children, and for educators to become a passionate educator like myself, is why I became a TAFE teacher,” said Chrystal. 

That passion has only strengthened over the years as she’s watched her students transform into confident, capable educators. 

For Chrystal, her classroom is not a single room. A typical week sees her driving long stretches across the 6 regional remote councils, which is delivering training directly in childcare settings in Roma, St George, Taroom, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Quilpie and beyond.

“I have the privilege of working with so many different educators and children, and witnessing how each of them builds meaningful connections within their community,” she said.

Her role is fully workplace-based, meaning she meets students where they are — quite literally.

“Our students’ learning environment is their workplace. I go out to their workplaces, look at their learning books, check their assessments, and monitor what they’re doing,” Chrystal says.  

Working in remote regions means students may be juggling work, family, and different work hours. Chrystal prides herself on offering unwavering support.

“My phone’s with me all the time, Monday to Friday. You can contact me any time,” Chrystal explained. 

“If a student is struggling, the director will know, and we can put a learning support plan in place, so the student has the support to complete their qualification. Communication is key to success.” 

For many students, this level of personalised support is what keeps them engaged and moving toward completion. 

Chrystal teaches both the Certificate III and Diploma level courses, guiding students from entry-level roles through to leadership pathways.

“Certificate III graduates can work as educators on the floor, support teachers, or float across rooms. While Diploma graduates can step into roles such as room leaders, educational support educators, or even centre directors,” said Chrystal. 

Training is designed to be manageable, flexible, and aligned to real work.

“Both of these qualifications are 18 months in duration. At TAFE Queensland, we break it into clusters, so you don’t get everything at once,” she explained. 

“With workplace delivery in Roma for example, you can start anytime — the 18 months starts when you do.” 

Living “in the outback,” as she describes it, Chrystal brings her love of nature, horses, camping and wide-open spaces into her teaching practice. She incorporates risky play, nature play, and culturally relevant learning that resonates with children in remote communities.

“We like to think outside the box and encourage risky play safely. More nature play, more outside, more sun awareness,” she said. 

Chrystal’s work embodies TAFE Queensland’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality training regardless of a student’s postcode. Many of her students live hundreds of kilometres from the nearest campus, and workplace delivery ensures they are not disadvantaged by distance. 

TAFE Queensland’s team of industry-experienced educators meets learners where they are — through flexible delivery, industry partnerships, and educators like Chrystal who travel to communities.

“I’m proud to work with TAFE Queensland because our customers — our students — are why we do what we do. We make sure they become good educators, just like we are,” Chrystal said.

Chrystal’s message to aspiring educators is simple and heartfelt.

“Give it a go. Don’t be scared. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable — you’ll be surprised at the end of the day when you get the qualification,” she said. 

“I’ve watched people cry, I’ve watched them doubt themselves and nearly give up… and seeing those same students walk across the stage at graduation brings a tear to your eye.”