Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators are helping strengthen cultural connections, improve student engagement and create career pathways for young people across Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools.

Ahead of World Teachers' Day on 30 October, BCE is recognising the contribution of First Nations teachers and staff across its 146 schools.

BCE Senior Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Yeeralaraay/Gamilaraay woman Dr Mayrah Dreise, has highlighted the importance of First Nations educators in shaping culturally responsive learning environments.

However, she emphasised that reconciliation and cultural safety must be a shared responsibility across entire school communities.

"The strongest outcome for our students occurs when entire school communities walk together in this journey," Dr Dreise said.

"There can be an expectation that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff will naturally lead every cultural conversation, initiative, or learning opportunity.

"While many are passionate about this work, creating culturally safe, and inclusive schools is a shared responsibility."

At Trinity College in Beenleigh, Library Coordinator and Cultural Coordinator Kirby Beckett has spent the past two years strengthening cultural understanding and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Her work includes cultural immersion days, career pathway support and reviewing hundreds of library resources to ensure students have access to culturally appropriate materials.

As the mother of four Wakka Wakka, Gooreng and Ugurapul children, Ms Beckett understands the importance of cultural safety and representation in education.

"It is important to me that our students can look around the school and see themselves reflected in their learning, their environment, and the opportunities available to them," she said.

"I've always advocated passionately for my own children.

"What's another 40 young people?"

Ms Beckett has also introduced resources by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, academics and storytellers, while helping teachers incorporate First Nations perspectives into their lessons.

Her work includes developing curriculum resources and a central database of teaching materials, community contacts, language resources and culturally responsive lesson plans.

Trinity College Principal Allison Elcoate recognised her contribution to strengthening cultural understanding across the school.

"This work has made it easier for teachers across all learning areas to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in meaningful ways," Ms Elcoate said.

At Xavier Catholic College in Hervey Bay, seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators, including a guidance counsellor and support teacher, are helping students connect with their culture and prepare for life beyond school.

The college has 122 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Aboriginal guidance counsellor Deb Farrell has worked alongside teachers Katelyn Bell, Michael O'Shea, Robert Young and Laurel Ball to establish the Empowering our First Nations Young People for Life Beyond School mentoring program.

Developed in partnership with BCE, the program helps students build confidence, strengthen cultural pride and explore opportunities in employment, apprenticeships, further training, university and community leadership.

Xavier Catholic College Head of Campus Ursula Witham-Young highlighted the importance of First Nations representation in supporting students.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators bring cultural knowledge, lived experience and professional expertise that enrich learning for all students," Ms Witham-Young said.

"It is important for our students to have strong, positive role models so they know we see them, we support them, and we want the greatest success for them."

At St Flannan's School in Zillmere, Gamilaroi woman and Year 2 teacher Kaitlyn Spiteri has helped students explore culture, identity and connection through art.

Ms Spiteri worked with students to create a painting titled Together, reflecting the identity of the school community.

Following BCE's Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property rights process, the artwork will be reproduced digitally on story poles welcoming visitors to the school's bush tucker garden.

St Flannan's Principal Cheryl Bell recognised the contribution of First Nations educators to the school community.

"Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and cultural leadership to our school," Ms Bell said.

BCE continues to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators through teaching scholarships, mentoring and leadership opportunities.

Scholarships provide financial assistance with tuition fees, professional connections and guidance throughout education and career pathways.

This year's Queensland World Teachers' Day theme is Teachers Change Lives, while BCE's theme is Thank You for Believing in Us.

School communities are encouraged to recognise teachers and staff through Gratitude Walls and social media messages throughout October.

More information about BCE's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teaching scholarships is available on the BCE website.