Charles Sturt University Postgraduate University Medal recipient Mrs Aimee Miller’s career aspirations of becoming a teacher started when she was in Year 7 at school.

As she read stories to the children while on work placement in Year 7, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in education.

Aimee commenced a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at the University of South Australia but deferred when she moved from Adelaide to Mount Isa with her future husband.

She worked as a school officer in a Catholic primary school and finished her degree online with James Cook University, where she graduated with Honours.

“Working in a remote location as a qualified teacher enabled me to experience a sense of community, develop a personal appreciation for Catholic values and begin my teaching journey,” she said.

“With 15 years of experience within the Catholic sector, I am committed to assisting all students on a pathway to success beginning in their formative years.”

As a continuation of her Honours thesis on researching an effective pedagogy for supporting children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Aimee wanted to further her studies in Inclusive Education.

She graduated with a Master of Inclusive Education (Leadership) from Charles Sturt University and was awarded a Postgraduate University Medal on Thursday 6 April, but was unable to attend the formal ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday 13 September.

Aimee said she completed her postgraduate studies at Charles Sturt because it enabled her to complete units related to current inclusive practices and create inclusive reform in a primary school setting while building on her leadership skills.

The University Medal is the highest honour that the University Council can confer on students at Charles Sturt.

Any student graduating from a Charles Sturt coursework master’s degree is eligible for a Postgraduate University Medal. Students must have at least 64 points of study completed at Charles Sturt and a GPA of 6.75 or higher.

Aimee achieved a GPA of 6.75 and said she feels honoured to have her perseverance and commitment recognised with a University Medal.

“I am relieved and proud to have completed my master’s, but I am also looking forward to the next phase, whatever that may be,” she said.

Aimee currently works as an Inclusive Practices Teacher in a Catholic primary school in Townsville, supporting students to adopt a positive mindset to learning and achieving personal success.

Two recent personal highlights include co-presenting at the Australian Inclusive Schooling Conference hosted by Illume Learning in Sydney and witnessing and sharing in the first two years of her daughter commencing her education.

Her future goal is to balance professional growth with personal wellbeing and spending quality time with family and friends. She loves her career and will continue to find ways to keep children smiling while experiencing excitement in learning.

Aimee wants to deepen her knowledge of wellbeing and movement-based pedagogy to support all students to access a learning environment that is conducive to their individual diversity.

“With ongoing difficulties in managing anxiety, I am developing a deeper understanding of disability and how it can impact on the lives of children and families,” she said.

“I have learnt that there is no shame in not knowing.

“In education, it is important to always be open to taking on new techniques, challenge your skills and lean on genuine people for advice.”