Long-time University of Queensland Faculty of Science staff member, Jackie Mergard, has been awarded with a Life Membership of the Science Teachers Association of Queensland (STAQ).
The award, recently presented at a dinner by the joint-President of STAQ and the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers (QAMT), celebrates Ms Mergard’s 23 years of dedicated voluntary service to the organisations.
Ms Mergard said she has always had an interest in supporting educators and that effective science teaching is integral for a prosperous society.
“Without highly proficient and enthusiastic science teachers, it’s difficult to engage students about the application of scientific knowledge in daily life, preparing them to be scientifically or mathematically literate citizens,” she said.
“A literate population understands and can logically debate big issues such as climate change, GMOs, stem cell research and vaccinations, which is particularly relevant today!
“New generations will find the solutions to currently emerging problems, and many great innovators credit their high school maths or science teachers with instilling them with a love of science or piquing their curiosity to know more.
“These often-overlooked, but incredibly valuable teachers help spark and nurture secondary students’ interest in how and why things work – or don’t work.”
When starting out at the former Faculty of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture many years ago, Ms Mergard quickly realised the importance of engaging with secondary school maths and science teachers.
“As a tertiary institution recruiting secondary students, we should know exactly what’s happening in this sector, and teacher professional associations are very well connected,” she said.
“And once you join an association, you can’t sit on the sidelines and watch them struggle with business and marketing-related aspects.
“I’ve been involved with membership growth, strategic planning, event organisation and the development of constitutions, publications, websites and social media.
“Teachers associations are dynamic and challenging entities – and all run by volunteers.”
Thanks to these connections, UQ has been able to form some great networks with teacher associations across many faculties.
“In the Faculty of Science, it has allowed us to support initiatives such as the Siemens’ (now Santos) Science Experience, the National Youth Science Forum, the Science and Engineering Challenge and the Queensland Science Contest for over 20 years,” Ms Mergard said.
“As the largest provider of science programs in Queensland, it’s been really gratifying to bring these opportunities to teachers and their students, and also expose them to the outstanding research and teaching that happens at UQ.
“I hope they’re amazed by the breadth and depth of our disciplines, and about the opportunities which await them beyond their secondary years.
“UQ is the best place to see where the science of the future begins.”
Media: Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
