Educator recognised among Queensland’s best
A CQUniversity professor has been named the winner of the Excellence in Teacher Education category in the prestigious 2025 TeachX Awards.
Presented by the Queensland College of Teachers, CQU Head of College for Education, Associate Professor Rickie Fisher has been recognised for his exceptional leadership and dedication to teacher education over the past two decades.
With a strong background in inclusive education, Associate Professor Fisher has championed pathways, processes and partnerships by identifying barriers, creating opportunities and supporting career change for aspiring school teachers.
This commitment to education was recognised with Assoc Prof Fisher announced as one of 31 TeachX Award winners, selected from a pool of 324 nominations, including 78 outstanding shortlisted Queensland teachers.
“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring educators,” Assoc Prof Fisher said.
“This award is a testament to the power of education and the valuable work happening across Queensland to support future teachers.”
Since its inception in 2009, more than 150 teachers have been recognised through the TeachX Awards for their outstanding contributions to the profession.
The awards celebrate significant teacher impact across schools and early childhood communities in Queensland, with nominations submitted by peers who share stories of their colleagues’ inspirational work.
CQUniversity Vice-President (Academic), Professor Michelle Bellingan said the achievement reflected the University’s commitment to educational excellence.
“Rickie’s dedication to supporting future teachers is inspiring, and we are proud to see his work acknowledged,” Prof Bellingan said.
“He spearheaded the creation of Queensland's first fully online postgraduate initial teacher education program at CQU, expanding access for aspiring teachers in regional, rural and remote communities.
“His leadership is shaping inclusive, future-focused teacher training across Queensland and beyond.”
Based at CQU’s Rockhampton North Campus, Assoc Prof Fisher is Chair of the CQUniversity Education Course Committee and a former Deputy Chair of the Curriculum Committee of Academic Board.
He also serves as an Executive Member and Policy Chair of the Queensland Council of Deans of Education (QCDE) and is an elected Higher Education Institution (HEI) member of the Professional Standards Committee of the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT).
In these roles, he has helped shape teacher education policy and practice, offering feedback on national education reforms and advocating for evidence-based, research-led teacher training.
Assoc Prof Fisher will join fellow winners at the 2025 TeachX Awards ceremony in Brisbane on Friday 31 October, coinciding with World Teachers’ Day.
Each recipient will receive a TeachX trophy for their award category, along with funding to support professional development.
