MEET THE TEAM
Rob Steffler (Founder & Team Lead)
Rob is the Dean of Studies at GCC who has long had a passion for innovative curriculum. As the instigator of the DeLorean Project, he is the one we have to thank for finding and collating all the supporting data and research that endorses the program. In a plan that began in 2015, Rob put out the call for teachers of a similar mind, to share in his vision for a student negotiated learning project. Destined to be something new, innovative, inspirational and, most of all, to provide authentic, engaging learning opportunities for our Year 10 students, the DeLorean Project was born. Rob has afforded each Year 10 cohort a truly unique occasion to have ownership of their learning, to impact their community and to follow their own passions. The DeLorean Project is a truly unique program, with very few other schools nationally offering anything akin to it. The support from the academic community and our extensive network of mentors lends credence to Rob and his vision for the DeLorean Project.
Often seen… with a new tech gadget.
Often found… living the dream in his caravan.
Often heard… challenging the status quo of our education system.
Beryl Morris
(Facilitator)
Beryl is our Secondary Teacher Librarian and brings with her a wealth of curriculum knowledge, experience in ‘project-based’ learning and, in particular, an understanding of the Action Research Process. In early days of the project, Beryl was instrumental in the foundational research behind this style of program and continues to provide access to research and resources to enhance student outcomes. Beryl is insightful in assisting individuals and teams to understand themselves and the team dynamic. Interacting with the students in this program on a weekly basis, Beryl’s compassion for, and engagement with students is evident in the authentic and ‘deep’ learning processes inherent in the program and her collaborative learning experiences make her an extremely valuable team member.
Often seen... hunting for solutions to other people’s problems.
Often found… escaping to a good plot or a stunning view.
Often heard… (not a lot when Rob’s around :) but otherwise… Affirming others in their strengths.
Brad Hampson (Facilitator)
As the Head of Design Technologies, Brad brings to the DeLorean Project vast experience in the field of innovation and collaborative learning. Having long been involved in STEM projects and other Action Research projects, Brad has the kind of experience and understanding necessary to give DeLorean the wings it needs to fly. With a passion for his students, Brad is an advocate for student involvement and engagement and has pioneered community based endeavours that live long in the memories of the students he has inspired. From a design and technology perspective, Brad’s involvement will see students receiving practical, as well as, motivational instruction and inspiration from him.
Often seen... supporting and helping others
Often found… Sailing the waterways of the Sunshine Coast on his Hobie Cat.
Often heard… (Also not a lot when Rob’s around!) but otherwise… sharing pearls of wisdom from his years of life experience.
Merisa Wischnat (Facilitator)
Merisa is our newest team member, and this is her first year in the program. Merisa’s personal qualities of being adaptable and flexible have helped her to jump in with both feet and embrace the opportunity to try a different style of learning and teaching. Merisa has a heart for student wellbeing and brings this into all of her interactions with the students and the teams she facilitates. With past experiences on the mission fields of Africa, Merisa has a passion for social justice and charity and helps students to find solutions to the problems they identify in these areas. A get-in-and-get-things-done kind of person, Merisa challenges the student teams to do the same and turn their ideas into reality.
Often seen… doing whatever it takes to help get the job done!
Often found… creating special memories with her sons.
Often heard… encouraging and lifting others up.