Education in skilled hands
FOR the last seven years, one Warwick teacher has been a pillar of support for students across the district.
He has been a teacher for 59 years, has students at as many schools as you have fingers and can often be found in the office on his days off.
John McNeil has been a classroom and special education teacher, a principal, lectured at Griffith University and is now a behavioural support teacher.
Mr McNeil said the subject he teaches is kids.
"I go to various schools and support kids with behaviours that for some reason don't line up with what is expected or accepted," he said.
"I coach kids on what is expected from them behaviourally and academically.
"I also support teachers who have kids with behaviour that doesn't line up with expectations, teachers aids and parents, by teaching them the skills they need to cope."
Every child is different and their behavioural progress is dependant on many factors, Mr McNeil said.
"But when you get some success it sends you back to work and keeps you going.
"One student can keep you going the whole term."
Mr McNeil said he was based at Warwick State High School and also teaches at primary schools at Glennie Heights, Warwick East, Warwick West, Killarney Prep-10, Freestone, Wheatvale, Leyburn and Inglewood Prep-10.
"There is no one rule governing my rotation around the schools, it just depends on the priorities and case load," Mr McNeil said.
