Designing an equitable and sustainable future

Deirdre Dennys didn’t always set out to be a teacher.

In fact, she boasted a 22-year career in architecture, until a passion for teaching emerged in her daily life.

“At the height of my corporate architecture career as a 30-something-year-old, I was running a small team of graduates for a multi-million-dollar portfolio of projects,” Mrs Dennys said.

“I realised how much joy there was in mentoring these young grads, and that I had a passion for inspiring the next generation of talented young designers into the profession.”

It was this realisation that led Mrs Dennys to enrol in a Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), and which recently resulted in her winning a statewide teaching award in recognition of her work.

The Design and Technology Teachers Association (DATTA) of Queensland awarded Mrs Dennys ‘DATTA Teacher of the Year 2024’ for her commitment to the development of new design and technology programs at Parklands Christian College, where she has been employed since 2021.

“It was with pure shock, elation and tears of joy that I received the Teacher of the Year Award,” she said.

A key component of Mrs Dennys’ teaching success has been The Corner Café Project at Parklands Christian College – a practical learning module that tasks Year 9 students with designing an inclusive café.

“The Corner Café project allowed me to add a layer of authentic, real-world learning opportunities championing social design for meaningful participation of the marginalised and often ‘forgotten’ members of our local communities – such as people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues and disabilities,” she said.

“The DATTA State Conference allowed me to present this project to Design and Technology teachers from all over Queensland and share my dreams for a world of social inclusion that can one day be championed for a more equitable and sustainable society.”

Parklands Christian College Head of Faculty (Design Technologies) Geof Greentree said Mrs Dennys’ project inspired the students to consider how incorporating ramps, elevators, braille and accessible signage were essential to ensuring spaces could be enjoyed by everyone.

“Deirdre’s growing interest in the industry’s shift to co-design methodologies raises a larger question for the Design and Technology teaching profession about moving from designing for people, to designing with them for designed outcomes that champion Human Rights,” Mr Greentree said.

“This philosophy was an important underpinning to the Year 9 Design project because as designers, we must recognise that accessibility and inclusion are not merely checklist items, but fundamental elements woven into innovative and marketable designs.”

Mrs Dennys said her passion for teaching design was a key element to her success at Parklands Christian College.

“I'm truly blessed to be able to talk about my favourite specialist area all day every day and inspire students to want to do the same,” Ms Dennys said.

Read more about Mrs Dennys’ work as a teacher in this DATTA Member Spotlight, or find out more about studying Education at the University of Southern Queensland.