2018 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year

Lyn Corradi

Clare State School, QLD

Nominated by: Troy Patti, Principal

Lyn Corradi, a teacher aide at Clare State School, is the 2018 winner of Australian Teacher Aide of the Year. Clare State School is a small school with students from Prep to Year 6, situated in a rural farming community near Ayr in North Queensland. Lyn was nominated by the school’s Principal, Troy Patti. He described Lyn as an exceptional teacher aide who is vital for the ongoing success of their students.

Lyn’s nomination highlights her impact on student learning and wellbeing. She demonstrates collaborative classroom practices, and skills and knowledge across many curriculum areas. Lyn is currently developing her skills in technologies by completing coding courses online. She uses different teaching methods to allow children to reach their potential. Lyn discusses the effectiveness of her classroom practices with teachers and administrators thereby improving the staffs’ combined professional knowledge. Lyn initiated an inquiry cycle into the teaching of writing, which resulted in changes to teaching practices at the school, and a great improvement in NAPLAN results.

Lyn coordinates the LOTE program through the Charters Towers School of Distance Education and is the school librarian. In these roles, she coordinates assesssment tasks and resolves IT issues. She coordinates the Premier's Reading Challenge, runs a yearly bookfair, and creates library displays that engage the students. Lyn particulary excels in the Arts and is often sought out by teachers to collaboratively develop lessons in this subject area.  

Helen Michael

Glendale Technology High School, NSW

Nominated by: Rebecca Veitch, Head Teacher

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Helen Michael, a school learning support officer at Glendale Technology High School is the New South Wales finalist in the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards.

Rebecca Veitch, the English teacher at Glendale who nominated Helen, described her as an outstanding and invaluable staff member who enriches the working day of staff and most importantly, of the students.

Helen’s nomination highlights her ability to work collaboratively with teachers, her contribution to planning and ability to support student learning. She works with students with significant disabilities and is highly regarded by the parents and carers of these young people. Helen works collaboratively with the teaching staff, often taking the initiative to research resources for the topics being taught and contributes to the planning of lessons. She has an understanding of the curriculum that goes beyond her role and supports students in developing their understanding.

Karen Masters

North Balga Primary School, WA

Nominated by: Jemima Tomlinson, Deputy Principal

Karen Masters, a teaching assistant from North Balga Primary School, is the Western Australian finalist in the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards.

Jemima Tomlinson, deputy principal at North Balga Primary School, described Karen’s strong relationship with students and families as her greatest asset.

Karen’s nomination highlights her integral and dynamic role in the school, and her outstanding work ethic. She has reinvigorated the library and reignited a love for reading throughout the school. Karen is a wealth of knowledge in early literacy, and works with teachers to improve capacity in oral language and phonological awareness. She takes groups of students experiencing difficulties in reading and spelling, creates hands on games that are fun, engaging and target students' needs, and collaborates with teachers to provide feedback on student progress. 

Beverley Wilson

Elliott School, NT

Nominated by: Skylar Warren-Blake, Senior Teacher - Family Educator

Beverley Wilson, an assistant teacher at Elliott School in the Northern Territory, has been highly commended in the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards.

Skylar Warren-Blake, senior teacher and family educator, described her as an outstanding and invaluable staff member who enriches the working day of staff and, most importantly, of the students.

Beverley's nomination highlights her positive impact on the learning and achievement of students. She has taken a leading role in the successful implementation of the Read Write Inc. literacy program, and also works collaboratively with the classroom teacher to modify tasks and create resources that help students grasp a particular concept. Beverley is an important contributor to student wellbeing and supports students by being the link between community, the class teacher, and the school. She demonstrates her commitment and passion to building a school learning community that supports and develops local cultural heritage and community involvement. She continually develops her skills through professional training, and is an outstanding role model. 

Danielle Woolard

Silkwood High School, QLD

Nominated by: Nicola McNabb, High School Advisor

Danielle Woolard, a teacher aide at Silkwood High School in Queensland has been highly commended in the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards.  

Nicola McNabb, the teacher who nominated Danielle, described her as an invaluable staff member who demonstrates leadership and initiative in every aspect of her role.

Danielle's nomination demonstrates her integral role in the school’s collaborative planning process. She attends planning meetings equipped with ideas and resources to assist students. Danielle works with students from Years 9-12, planning and facilitating all areas of learning, including VET courses and Outdoor Education. She actively seeks professional development opportunities to enhance her practice. Danielle's commitment to student wellbeing extends to co-facilitating school camps both overseas and at sea! This year Danielle participated in the Brisbane Kokoda Challenge where she supported her team across the line.