Teaching with culture and connection

Stacy has been named a finalist for VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards for the Tropical North region, recognised for her incredible work leading the Remote Area Teacher Education Program (RATEP) in early childhood education and care.

Stacy coordinates the delivery of Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across remote communities, including her face-to-face delivery in the Torres Strait and outer Islands, the delivery at residential blocks at in Cairns, plus arranging teacher visits to off-site locations such as Doomadgee, Napranum, Yarrabah, Hope Vale, Lockhart River and Kowanyama.

A proud Goomeri woman from Gunnedah, New South Wales, Stacy’s work is deeply grounded in culture, connection, and care.

“Seeing First Nations students shine – that’s my passion. That’s what drives me every single day,” Stacy said.

She is one of three TAFE Queensland educators nominated in this year’s Tropical North awards, joining civil construction teacher Troy Bloustien and hairdressing teacher Paul Pardini.

For Stacy, her work is about more than training and assessment.

“I know every student. I know their story, where they live, their family, what they’re juggling, and how they learn best. That connection matters. It changes everything.”

Stacy first launched the RATEP early childhood model in 2018, piloting the program in two remote communities with 13 graduates. All secured employment or moved into further study. In 2024, the program produced 40 graduates across seven communities, all of whom are now employed.

“We knew from the start that this wasn’t about fitting students into a box. It was about designing something that fits them – culturally, practically, and personally,” Stacy said.

Her program blends national curriculum with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of learning, incorporating story sharing, learning maps, and community-led discussions.

“I don’t just go into communities and teach. I become part of them. We learn from each other,” she said.

But working in remote communities also comes with its challenges.

“Sometimes there's no internet, no computers, and students are expected to study online. That doesn’t work for everyone,” Stacy said. “If a student says, 'Miss, I can’t do this online,' I say, 'Then do it the way that works for you.' Handwrite it, talk it out, take a photo – we’ll make it work.”

Her persistence has helped shape statewide practice. She advocated for printed guides and accessible learning tools and pushed for more funding to ensure students could attend residential study blocks.

Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. RATEP has been profiled as a case study in both the Queensland and national early childhood workforce strategies and was a finalist at the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

Each term, Stacy travels to communities to deliver in-person training and works on the ground alongside her students in local early childhood centres.

“That’s how I stay current, but it’s also how I build trust. I’m not just teaching from the sidelines. I’m in there with them,” she said.

When residential blocks are held, Stacy doesn’t just run classes – she creates community. Students share stories, support one another, and build bonds that continue long after graduation.

“Graduation day is one of the best parts of my job. The pride on their faces, the joy – it’s overwhelming.”

Recognising that access to professional development is rare in remote areas, Stacy now delivers informal weekend sessions for early childhood staff while in community.

“Sometimes it's just me and a few educators on a Saturday, talking about new resources or changes in legislation. But that knowledge makes a difference,” she said.

She also invites guest speakers to residential blocks and organises workplace visits so students can see inclusive practice in action.

“I want students to leave this course with the skills to support all children, including those with complex needs. That starts by connecting them with the right people and resources.”

Stacy’s leadership and advocacy continue to influence the sector. In 2023, she presented at The Early Years Workforce Forum and, in 2024, took part in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Workforce Forum, helping shape future strategies.

“It’s about making sure our voices are heard – not just mine, but the voices of community, of the students, and of the children they care for.”

Despite the accolades, Stacy says the true reward is seeing her students succeed.

“When they walk into a centre with confidence, knowing they belong in that space and have something valuable to offer, that’s the win,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

With every student and every milestone reached, Stacy Walters continues to transform lives – and shape the future of early childhood education across remote Queensland.