2022 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year
Kerry Walker
Nominated by: Danny Forrest, Principal & Lea Humphrey, Leading Teacher
Congratulations to Kerry Walker, a Student Support Coordinator at Wedderburn P-12 College in Victoria, who is the 2022 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year. Kerry was one of eight finalists competing for this year’s coveted title of Australian Teacher Aide of the Year.
Kerry has worked at Wedderburn College, a small rural school in the North Central district of Victoria, since 2002, and has been crucial in supporting the inclusion, wellbeing and learning of students from Foundation through to Year 12, both within the classroom and at home.
“Kerry is dedicated to helping achieve positive outcomes for our students and families, placing a strong emphasis on ensuring minimal barriers and providing opportunities for all within the community. Kerry is a fierce advocate for our most vulnerable children and families and is often seen as the bridge between the school and wider community in maintaining positive, safe connections and relationships. Her student centred and ‘person first’ approach is unwavering. She is held in very high regard within the wider community and is an invaluable asset to our school.” said nominators Danny Forrest, Principal, and Lea Humphrey, Leading Teacher, at Wedderburn P-12 College.
In her current role, as Student Support Co-ordinator, Kerry works closely with the College’s Wellbeing team, and coordinates Student Support Services visits, and is a member of the College’s School Wide Positive Behaviour Support team and the Respectful Relationships team.
In 2012 Kerry worked to establish the Wedderburn College Playgroup, which focusses on building early literacy skills, and access to support agencies for families with children aged 0-5 years. Kerry’s aim was to also reengage vulnerable community members with the College in a fun and positive way, and ease children’s transition to school in later years. Over the years, the Playgroup program has grown from 2 families, to a record 54 children and carers attending on a weekly basis.
In 2022, Kerry pushed to have a Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) outreach service established at the College, which is unique in rural areas. She has also taken a lead role in initiating several other school and community projects, such as campaigning to establish a Community Childcare Centre, establish an Out of Hours School Care program, and lead the College’s participation in the ‘Dog’s Connect’ program.
Kerry works collaboratively with College staff, parents, carers and students, and leads all Individual Education Plans and Student Support Group meetings, and coordinates Student Support Services (SSS) visits.
Kerry also liaises with the Koorie Education Support Officer (KESO) in supporting 22 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to be immersed in their culture. As a direct result of Kerry’s hard work and dedication, Wedderburn College achieved 85% compliance for inclusive practices and supports, the highest within the region.
Kerry has a passion and desire to learn and improve. She has undertaken a range of professional learning, and also facilitates professional development and training opportunities for teaching and education support staff, as well as for students.
“It really does come down to the passion and determination of individual people to drive positive change and improvement, and Ms Kerry Walker, she really does live by our current value ‘Every Child – Every Opportunity.” said Danny Forrest, Principal.
