Central Queensland Univeristy (CQU) has recognised 12 of its best teachers in its annual teaching awards and among the recipients was Dr Cecily Knight of CQU Mackay campus taking the honour for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Education.

The Excellence in Teaching Awards is an annual award that has been established to provide public recognition of CQU’s best teachers.

Dr Knight is now eligible for the Vice- Chancellors Awards and the prestigious national Carrick Institute Awards for Australian University Teaching Excellence.

Dr Knight's work focuses on the design and implementation of an innovative curriculum for developing awareness of resilience and mental health promotion. This is believed to be the first teacher education course in Australia to address these areas in general primary teacher education programs.

The award is also recognition of Dr Knight’s doctoral thesis, which was among the first research into resilience, mental health and wellbeing for children as it relates to undergraduate teacher education.

Dr Knight was delighted to receive the award and said it meant a lot to have the profession of teaching so highly valued. “Teaching is the greatest job in the world,” Dr Knight said. “It’s such a privileged position. Our reward is not usually tangible but we know as teachers we impact on the hearts and minds of the next generation of learners.”.

Photo Caption: Dr Cecily Knight was awarded an Excellence in Teaching award for her work in Resilience.