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Melita Dellit, a Year 1 teacher at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College in Dalby, welcomed a new student into her classroom—a young child with albinism. Recognising the challenges posed by the student’s vision impairment, Melita saw it as an opportunity to make a lasting impact, not just on one child but on the entire school community.

“I was inspired to make a difference,” she said.

And so Melita took it upon herself to learn and integrate braille into her teaching. She created an inclusive learning environment where braille was not just a tool for one student, but a teaching method for the whole class.

In the past two years, Melita has taught two students to read, write, learn and live using braille, and just recently those students became the first in Queensland to receive a bronze medal in the Queensland Braille Code Awards.

“My favourite quote is ‘Fair isn’t everybody getting the same thing. Fair is everybody getting what they need in order to be successful’,” she said.

“Starting with no knowledge of braille or visual impairment, I quickly upskilled myself and adapted my practice to ensure these students will have equal opportunities as adults in a global society despite their vision impairment.

“It’s amazing to see how students can learn even though they have to learn in an entirely different way to their peers – and me,” Melita said.

When asked why she chose to become a teacher, Melita’s passion shines through. “I grew up in a small community, and I love it. My school inspired me to become a teacher like so many amazing teachers I had as a child.” For the past 22 years, she has dedicated herself to teaching in the early years at the same school, where she continues to find joy in watching her students reach their potential. “Teaching is my first career,” she shares, “I feel fortunate to come to school every day to do what I love – it doesn’t feel like work.”

For Melita, teaching is more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle choice. She thrives on the challenge of adapting her teaching methods to suit the diverse needs of her students.

“Every learner in the classroom is different and I love the challenge of adapting my pedagogy to suit all students, so every child has a chance to succeed in a caring, loving environment,” she said.

Visit the World Teachers’ Day Queensland website for more inspiring stories and to download resources and join the celebration.