Education Minister Grace Grace has encouraged Queenslanders to get behind 2019 ARIA Music Teacher of the Year nominee Lee Strickland.
Ms Grace said the inspiring Narbethong Special School teacher is the only Queenslander in the running to win the title on November 27.
“I’d like to congratulate Lee on her nomination – we are all behind her!” Ms Grace said.
“Lee has been nominated for her work which includes creating braille sheet music for her vision-impaired students.
“Lee also customises instruments to make them accessible to special needs children – plus she uses musical vibrations to help children who are deaf-blind.
“She goes to amazing lengths to ensure that students with special needs receive the same musical opportunities as children without disability.”
Ms Grace said it would be great to see as many people as possible cast their vote for Lee.
“Lee is the only Queenslander amongst four music teachers from NSW and WA who are in the mix for the award, so it would be fantastic to see her get over the line,” she said.
“Voting finishes on November 20 which is only a week away.”
Ms Strickland said she was over the moon to be nominated.
“I’m still shocked – it’s just amazing, not just for the recognition for my work but for the whole school and for awareness of vision impairment and special needs music education,” she said.
“I love my job – through the power of music I get to see the changes that music makes to my students.
“Studies show music not only helps students concentrate but it also helps with literacy and numeracy – music also gives kids a sense of self-worth.
“Our music program at Narbethong has given a voice to those who cannot talk, rhythm to those who cannot walk and a platform for our students to grow up as unique individuals.”
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