Inala teacher Jessica Neilson-Scott taught every child in her Year 1 class to sign alongside speech, and the practice has since spread through St Mark’s School in Brisbane.
One student, One Whole Class
It began with a single student. Neilson-Scott saw a child with a lot to offer and wanted to clear any barriers between that student, her and the rest of the class. In 2025, she brought Key Word Sign into her classroom. The approach pairs signs with spoken language, usually for the key words in a sentence, to help children understand, express themselves and join in. It borrows its signs from Auslan but is not a language on its own.
She didn’t just pick it up and go. Neilson-Scott researched the method, completed extra training and leaned on her existing familiarity with Auslan. She also worked with the school’s Student Support Team and the student’s family.
Then came the choice that set her project apart. Instead of limiting the signs to one child, she taught them to her whole class. Her reasoning was simple: more signers would mean more ways for everyone to talk, both with her and with each other.
From One Room to the Playground
Students at St Mark’s use Key Word Sign in classrooms, in the playground and at whole-school events. How did a single Year 1 room make that jump? Principal Allison Malouf points to Neilson-Scott’s ongoing leadership. She works closely with colleagues to build their confidence and helps them bring signing into their own lessons. At school assemblies, she regularly introduces new signs so all students can learn them.
Malouf said this steady exposure has given the school a shared language and strengthened its commitment to inclusion and belonging. She credited Neilson-Scott’s passion and leadership for the way the wider school community has taken the approach on.
A BCE Award for the Work
The effort earned Neilson-Scott the NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Primary School. Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) presented the award at its Excellence Awards at Brisbane City Hall on 2026 August 14. Malouf compared her to Saint Mary MacKillop, noting that both are known for stepping in whenever they spot a need.
The Teacher Behind the Signs
Neilson-Scott said she became a teacher to make a difference. For her, the best moments come when a child reaches a learning goal, grows in confidence or feels they belong. She said she is proud that an idea from her own classroom is now helping students across the school make friends, take part with more confidence and feel included.
Outside the classroom, she skips tea and coffee but is happy with a hot chocolate. She likes to travel Australia in a caravan with her family, and she has picked up a taste for overseas trips too, with her family visiting Vietnam and Japan. Back at school, maths games are her favourite way to play with her students. Her teaching partner, Ally Cummins, has worked next door for six years and helped her settle into the early years. What lifts her mood each day? The smiles waiting in her Year 1 room.
Asked why others should consider teaching, Neilson-Scott described it as a fulfilling and rewarding job in which teachers play a big part in young people’s lives.
Teachers’ Day Connection
BCE shared her story as part of its Queensland World Teachers’ Day coverage. This year’s state theme is “teachers change lives.” Families and community members who want to learn more about Key Word Sign can visit Key Word Sign Australia.
Published Date 21-October-2026
