Episode Overview
Stephen Anderson sits down with Tim Bateup, a STEM teacher from Roma State High School, who’s kicking goals in rural education. Recently awarded a $10,000 Toyota STEM scholarship, Tim’s headed to London to bring back fresh ideas for his Southwest Queensland students. From his roots in digital technologies to pioneering virtual lessons in the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy, Tim shares how he’s bridging the gap for kids in the bush. We explore his gypsy-like teaching journey, the power of virtual learning, and why country life beats the city chaos any day.
Key Topics Discussed
From Digital Tech to STEM All-Rounder
Tim traces his path from teaching digital technologies to blending woodwork, science, and maths in the STEM space.
Toyota Scholarship: London Calling
Hear how Tim plans to use his $10,000 award to attend the New Scientist conference and visit UK schools.
Queensland Virtual STEM Academy
Discover this futuristic program—think avatars, live lessons, and on-demand videos—bringing expert teaching to rural kids.
Rural Teaching: Challenges and Rewards
Tim reflects on life in Emerald, Goondiwindi, and Roma, and why the bush is the best place to teach and live.
What’s Next: A Virtual Future
Tim’s eyeing a permanent gig in virtual education—find out how you can get in on this growing field.
Links and Resources:
Roma State High School: www.romashs.eq.edu.au (Check for school updates)
Queensland Virtual Academy: www.education.qld.gov.au (Search for virtual programs)
Toyota STEM Scholarship: www.toyota.com.au/community/scholarships
Smart Jobs (Teaching Opportunities): www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au
DATTA Queensland: www.dattaqld.org.au
Connect With Us:
Host: Stephen Anderson – podcast@dattaqld.org.au (mailto:podcast@dattaqld.org.au)
About the Bridge Building Podcast
“This is the place where we dissect and then discover the many ways ITD teachers all over this country are using their passion to create passionate students. We talk of measuring and manipulating a multitude of materials of design and divergent thought, of creation with our minds and with our hands. And most of all, we talk of growing great young people because of course that is what we do.”
So what does that mean other than I like to show off my alliteration skills? Since coming back to teaching a few years ago the thing that strikes me most, and frankly scared me most is how lonely this job is. How little we know about what is happening in our subject area. The classroom next door, a class in the next school, let alone the next town are a mystery to me. I know there are teachers out there doing incredible things and this (the podcast) is a way for me to find out and be inspired. I would like to invite you along to listen and learn, to be inspired by some of the sensational teachers I speak to on the “Bridge Building Podcast – from technology to the trades”
About the Podcast Host
Stephen Anderson is a Design Technology, Trade Training and accidental Science teacher at a small high school 2 hours North West of Brisbane.
Over To You
If you know someone who is doing something spectacular or just great fun in design and tech or in trade training, I would love to know about them.
Contact me through my email osaerial@gmail.com
Music by:
Viola Pink
My favourite busker from the Nanango markets.