From rural Queensland to the world: Alese Woods' journey in education

A teaching exchange in the United States, a remote Queensland homestead and classrooms in earthquake-hit Vanuatu have helped shape the career of University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) graduate Alese Woods.

Now Head of School at Roma State College, Ms Woods has built a career spanning rural communities, international classrooms and school leadership, guided by a simple belief: location should never determine opportunity.

“Sometimes the opportunities that feel the most challenging are the ones that have the greatest impact,” Ms Woods said.

Inspired by high school work experience in Toowoomba and part-time work at a local childcare centre, Ms Woods enrolled in a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at UniSQ with ambitions of becoming a preschool teacher.

But university opened doors she had never anticipated.

In 2003, she was one of five students selected for an exchange with Montana State University in the United States, where she completed a teaching placement at Quaw Elementary in Bozeman.

“The Montana experience was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my university career,” she said.

“It pushed me outside my comfort zone, built my confidence and showed me possibilities beyond what I had imagined for myself.”

Another opportunity took her 88 kilometres south-west of Cunnamulla, where she worked as a home tutor through UniSQ’s Isolated Children’s Project, living with a family whose children completed part of their schooling at home.

“Living with the family gave me a much deeper understanding of their lives and reinforced the importance of relationships and connection,” she said.

More than two decades after her Montana exchange, another international teaching experience reinforced those lessons.

Through a Global Teacher experience in Vanuatu, Ms Woods worked alongside local teachers and school leaders as they navigated significant challenges, including a shortage of classroom desks and schools still rebuilding after earthquakes.

“It reminded me that education is built on relationships, creativity, passion and a belief in the potential of every student,” she said.

“It also reignited my passion for teaching and reminded me why I entered the profession in the first place.”

Having lived and worked in rural communities and raised her two daughters in a rural town, Ms Woods understands the central role schools play in bringing communities together.

She believes students in regional and remote areas should have access to the same quality of education, opportunities and experiences as their metropolitan counterparts.

“Location should not determine opportunity,” she said.

“We need to be responsive, adaptable and creative to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

Looking back, Ms Woods credits UniSQ with providing more than the qualifications to begin her career. The opportunities she embraced as a student helped build her confidence, broaden her perspective and shape the educator and leader she is today.

The University also played an important role in her personal life. It was where she met her husband, Evan, while they were both students.

For Ms Woods, the experiences that have shaped her career reinforce the importance of embracing new challenges, even when the next step feels daunting.

Her advice to current UniSQ students is simple.

“Do it! If you are given the opportunity, take it. And if you aren't offered an opportunity, look for one!” she said.