Our board

Wendy Patton

Board Chair
Nominee of the Minister 

Wendy completed her degree in secondary education at James Cook University. After periods of work as a teacher, curriculum developer, and guidance officer, she joined the former Brisbane College of Advanced Education (later Queensland University of Technology) as a lecturer in 1989. She completed Honours and a PhD in Psychology part-time throughout this period at The University of Queensland.

Wendy was appointed Professor and Head of School of Learning and Professional Studies in the Faculty of Education in 2002, and in 2006 was appointed Executive Dean of the Faculty.

In 2016, Wendy received the Miller-Grassie Award for Outstanding Leadership from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders and delivered the Miller-Grassie Oration. In the same year, Wendy received an award from the Australian Council of Deans of Education for Outstanding Contribution to Education and the ACDE Board. Later in 2016, the QUT Council conferred the title Emeritus Professor in recognition of Wendy’s extensive leadership in, and service to, the university and to teacher education, and her significant contribution to research in the field of career development.

Wendy is a graduate of the Company Directors course of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

First appointed 4 August 2017.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2026.

Aleisha Connellan

Practising teacher nominee of Queensland Independent Education Union (QIEU)

Aleisha is an experienced teacher with more than 30 years’ experience across a range of schools and roles within Brisbane Catholic Education. She is the Principal of Our Lady of the Way School, a thriving P-6 community. Aleisha has completed several postgraduate courses, including two Masters, and is a graduate of AICD. A long-term member of the IEU-QNT, she is passionate about the education of teachers and students. She is an advocate for developing research-based policies that enhance the reputation of the teaching profession and result in professional standards and codes of practice that appropriately reflect the values, needs and expectations of teachers, students, other educational stakeholders and society.

First appointed 1 January 2009.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Andrew Beattie

Practising teacher nominee of Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU)

Andrew has over 20 years' experience across a broad range of educational settings. Originally a Mathematics/Science teacher, he moved into school leadership in 2009. Andrew has served as Deputy Principal and Principal in both primary and secondary state schools.

Andrew is a member of the Queensland Teachers’ Union’s Education Leaders’ Committee and of the Australian Education Union’s National Principals’ Committee.

Andrew has extensive experience as a QTU Principal Union Representative and represents the QTU on principal selection panels. He is a current member of the QTU State Council and has served multiple terms on the QTU Executive.

Andrew is passionate about ensuring the standing of the teaching profession in the wider community is continually promoted and enhanced. He is also interested in the development and retention of new career teachers.

First appointed 8 April 2021.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Linda Eager

Elected State school practising teacher

As the Director of Kelvin Grove State College’s Teacher Enhancement Centre, Linda has been instrumental in helping beginning teachers stay longer in rural, regional and remote schools. A long-standing member of the QCT Professional Standards Committee, Mrs. Eager has worked across primary, middle and high schools, led school-wide curriculum, professional learning and expert teaching teams, and regularly serves as a panellist for the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership on the national accreditation of teacher education programs.

First appointed 1 January 2022.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Professor Beryl Exley

Practising teacher educator
Joint nominee of universities providing an approved preservice teacher education program

Beryl is a Professor of English Curriculum and Literacies Education at Griffith University, specialising in teacher education and research into curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment reform. She has held leadership roles, including Deputy Head of School at Griffith (2018-2022), National President of the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (2017-2019), and International Chair of the International Development Oceania Committee (2015-2017). Beryl serves on several educational committees and holds multiple degrees, including a PhD. Her honours include being a National Ambassador for Literacy and Numeracy Week (2008) and receiving Life Membership from the Australian Literacy Educators' Association (2019). She was awarded the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Teacher Education Award in 2024.

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Tim Horne

Nominee of the Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens' Associations (P&Cs Qld)

Tim is a seasoned leader with 18 years of experience spanning the public and the non-profit sectors. With management expertise in defence, disaster management and parliament, Tim has a proven record leading capability establishment, policy development, strategy, and governance functions in complex and dynamic environments.

Tim has postgraduate qualifications in leadership and public policy and is a Certified Practicing Manager. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of P&Cs Queensland, Tim is engaged with the contemporary issues facing Queensland’s education sector and its communities. He is passionate about the teaching profession in Queensland and aspires to enhance educational outcomes for families of veterans and children with additional needs.

Appointed from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Louise Kliese

Practising teacher representing State schools, nominee of the Director‑General, Department of Education

Louise has more than 30 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership across various schools, including Brisbane, Palm Island, and London.

She served as acting Principal in a two-teacher school and was a 2018 state finalist for 'Teacher of the Year' for her work with highly capable students.

A coach in Future Problem Solving (FPS), Louise has guided teams to national and global success, and she is an FPS evaluator and National Fellow.

She is passionate about STEM education and, as Chair of the Kids' STEM Convention, connects over 300 students and teachers annually with industry experts.

A lifelong learner, Louise holds a Master of Education and is a qualified International Growth Coach. She mentors new teachers and provides professional learning on high-impact pedagogy.

Currently, Louise serves as Head of Department – Curriculum at a metropolitan State School.

First appointed 1 January 2022.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Chris Lassig

Nominee of the Director‑General,
Department of Education

Chris is the Assistant Director-General – Capability. He is a highly accomplished and experienced educator with more than 30 years in roles across Queensland. Chris has been a teacher, Head of Department, Deputy Principal, and Principal, and has held leadership roles across the department, including Assistant Regional Director, North Coast Region, and Executive Director. He has worked with both large and small school communities across Queensland's metro, rural, and remote locations and is a passionate advocate for school improvement and improved outcomes for all students and school communities. Chris has a deep understanding and recognition of the important work of teachers and the teaching profession.

First appointed 29 June 2023.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Denielle Leishman

Joint nominee of the Federation of Parents and Friends Associations of Catholic Schools in Queensland and the Queensland Independent Schools Parents’ Network

Denielle brings over 25 years' experience across a range of educational settings including secondary schools and tertiary institutions such as UQ, UniSC and CQU.

A registered teacher, Denielle also holds postgraduate qualifications in educational leadership and management from QUT.

Denielle is a Director of the Independent Schools Queensland Parent Network Board and has served extensively on school based governance committees and college council executive.

With eight years' experience as the owner of the law firm, Denielle also offers business insight and fiscal oversight capabilities.

Driven by the desire to serve, Denielle welcomes the opportunity to support the Queensland College of Teachers' objectives, whilst enhancing its visibility and vitalness to the broader community.

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Dr Andrea O'Brien

Nominee of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC)

Andrea has over 40 years’ experience as a teacher, principal and system level leader within Catholic education across the state of Queensland. Beginning her professional life as a secondary teacher in Mt Isa, Andrea continued to serve as principal at St Margaret Mary’s College and Ryan Catholic College in Townsville, and at Clairvaux MacKillop College in Upper Mt Gravatt, in Brisbane. Experience at the system level includes work as a Project Officer at the Catholic Education Office in Townsville, a Senior Leader responsible for School Improvement and Review within Brisbane Catholic Education, and, currently, as the Director of School Effectiveness (Secondary and P-12) with Catholic Education Services, Cairns.

Areas of interest include women and leadership, the complexities of the principal's role, and principal wellbeing and sustainability.

First appointed 16 July 2020.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Anna Pickering

Elected non-State school practising teacher

Anna is an experienced secondary school teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from QUT, specialising in English and History. Over the past 10 years, she has worked in both the state and independent sectors, including Moreton Bay College where she coordinated Spoken Arts and was a senior English specialist. Currently, she is a teacher librarian and senior teacher at Anglican Church Grammar School. Before teaching, Anna represented public sector workers in negotiations with major employers, gaining valuable insights into industrial relations and bureaucratic systems. Anna offers a front-line perspective on the challenges faced by educators, particularly around workload and wellbeing, in an increasingly complex learning landscape.

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Ronnelle Sanders

Practising teacher representing non-State schools, jointly nominee of the CEQL and ISQ

Ronnelle is a passionate Lead teacher with a focus on literacy development, especially in Early Years and EAL/D contexts. With experience as a Primary and Early Years teacher, as well as an EAL/D Coordinator, she has worked in both State and Independent education sectors. Ronnelle is a strong advocate for literacy, having spoken at local, national, and international conferences. She has been recognised for her work in improving literacy strategies and promoting professional growth for teachers. After receiving an International PD Scholarship, she trained in oracy programs and further developed her expertise through the Oracy Leaders Program. Ronnelle co-founded the EAL/D Community of Practice in Southeast Queensland, supporting teachers and enhancing professional learning. Her leadership in Action Research Projects and co-authored publications on oracy and parental engagement has made a significant impact. In 2024, she was named one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators for her contributions to education.

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Judith Stutchbury

Elected State school practising teacher

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Judith is a Senior Teacher and Program Manager for the Australian Government's Reef Guardian Program at Kalkie State School in Bundaberg. She has held roles as Regional Communications Officer and Media Officer for Education Queensland, and founded initiatives such as a regional TV segment for schools and award-winning science events. Judith is the author of HATCH Saves the Reef and serves on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Local Marine Advisory Committee. She's working on establishing an international Sister School partnership focused on environmental education. Judith's achievements include receiving the 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching, being a finalist for the 2018 Teacher of the Year award, and winning the Luke Curnow Australian Conservation Award. Passionate about fostering curiosity and real-world learning, she is committed to inspiring students and educators alike.

Appointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Vicky Walduck

Practising teacher representing State schools, nominee of the Director-General, Department of Education

Vicky has over 20 years’ experience across a range of educational settings. She has taught in remote and metropolitan Queensland and has held leadership roles since 2012. She is currently Head of Department - Prep to 6 at North Lakes State College.

Vicky is a passionate educator and curriculum leader who enjoys working with teachers to develop an engaging curriculum that enables all students to succeed. She strongly believes in providing quality education for all by empowering teachers and building their capability and confidence in differentiating for individual learners.

Vicky hopes the credibility and profile of teaching continue to grow in the community and that teachers are acknowledged for the vital role they play in shaping Queensland’s future.

First appointed 7 December 2023.
Reappointed for the term 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

Last updated:

16 June 2026