Kristen Armitage Honored with PTAQ Excellence in Psychology Teaching Award

Senior School Psychology Teacher Kristen Armitage has been awarded the prestigious Psychology Teachers Association of Queensland (PTAQ) Excellence in Psychology Teaching Award. This accolade is dedicated to Professor Gerry Tehan, a champion of integrating psychology into high school curricula in Queensland.

“It is an honour to receive this award dedicated to Professor Gerry Tehan, who supported Queensland teachers in implementing psychology into high schools. He was an inspiring and dedicated educator,” says Kristen.

“The Cathedral School has supported me by encouraging me to apply for various QCAA roles and attend QCAA training and events. I have been blessed to work with another talented psychology teacher, Renita Baker, to share ideas and polish our program, as well as a dedicated Head of Science, Rebecca Smith, who ensures that all our resources and assessments are of a very high standard,” Kristen acknowledged, highlighting the collaborative and supportive environment at her school.

“Kristen is known for her dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence in psychology education. She actively engages in professional development, attending conferences such as the Positive Schools Conference and the QCAA Chiefs Conference, and completing certifications like Youth Mental Health First Aid and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid. Kristen also implements creative and technology-enhanced instruction methods, organises unique learning experiences like NeuroSTEM-Day trips and sleep study lab visits, and contributes significantly to the ATAR Psychology syllabus. She mentors preservice teachers and supports the broader educational community in Townsville. Kristen’s exceptional contributions to psychology education and her visionary leadership make her a deserving recipient of the PTAQ Excellence in Psychology Teaching award. Her journey exemplifies dedication to personal and professional growth, innovative teaching practices, and a strong commitment to mentorship and community engagement.” Rebecca Smith – Head of Science at TCS.

Kristen graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Middle and Senior Schooling and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). She is currently halfway through a Master of Education with a specialisation in Educational Leadership at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Kristen’s roles as a QCAA Chief Confirmer, Lead Endorser, and Marker for Psychology keep her at the forefront of internal and external assessment processes.