A JOHN Paul College teacher has been honoured on World Teachers' Day.
Naomi Parker-Craig won an award as part of the QSuper Biggest Teacher Thank You competition, picking up a $100 gift voucher for herself and a prize pack valued at $1000 for her school.
Ms Parker-Craig, who teaches grade one students at John Paul College, said receiving the award was a huge surprise and a great honour.
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"I love everything about teaching, I think it's who I am," she said.
"I particularly enjoy getting these new little friends at the start of the year and watching their journey and their growth.
"It is a very rewarding job and I think if I can instill a love of learning in these little people that carries them through the rest of their lives, I am helping in some way."
Ms Parker-Craig, who lives at Kuraby, has spent six years teaching grade six students at John Paul College after moving out of a relief role.
She has a great rapport with her past students, including those she taught during her first year at the school.
"I had a student say to me the other day 'I just love how I can come and talk to you. I know you are my teacher, but you're just like one of my good friends'," Ms Craig said.
I particularly enjoy getting these new little friends at the start of the year
- Naomi Parker-Craig
"That really touched my heart. It was very reassuring that even though she left my class in year one, hopefully I have made a difference."
Ms Parker-Craig planned on using her competition winnings to spoil her family.
"I think I might look at taking them for a nice dinner," she said.
Ms Parker-Craig was one of only seven winners named in the QSuper World Teachers Day competition last week.
She said teaching at John Paul College had been a career highlight.
"It is a very supportive school that is focused on the students," she said. "It is all about developing the whole child."
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