Congratulations to the Highly Commended Team nominees in this year's Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
The Highly Commended Teams have been recognised for their significant contribution to student learning and wellbeing, collaboration with colleagues, and improved practice through professional learning.
Thank you to the many schools that submitted a nomination and made time to recognise the work of their teacher aide teams.
We hope you enjoy reading about the difference these Highly Commended Teams are making to students, their schools, and the community.
Dungog High School, NSW - Teacher Aide Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Hayley Aiken
Absent: Annette Nelson, Harrison Gray & Leanne Parkinson
The Dungog High School Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Annette Nelson, Jane Byron, Peta Thorsby, Jodie Dobbie, Hayley Aiken, Leanne Parkinson, and Harrison Thurlow Gray have significantly impacted student learning and wellbeing through tailored support, fostering inclusivity, and participating in ongoing professional development.
The team plays a crucial role in supporting students by providing individualised academic assistance, promoting emotional wellbeing, and creating an inclusive environment. Their collaboration with teachers ensures that each student’s needs are met, enhancing both academic and social outcomes.
"Working alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals is truly inspiring. The team ensures that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally." - Hayley Aiken.
ET Australia Secondary College, NSW - Student Learning Assistants Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Tony Mylan, Principal
Absent: Nicola Gahli, Amy Capindale, Ellen Skinner, Amanda Thorpe, Sonia Tregellis & Kody Smith
The ET Australia Secondary College Student Learning Assistants Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Naomi Bonham, Adrian Brown, Amy Capindale, Laura Dundas, Nicola Ghali, Patrick Goard, Warren Henry, Matthew Higley, Matthew Laidlaw, Taren LeBreton, Ann Meany, Joshua Norton, Aimee Quinlan, Ellen Skinner, Hayden Smith, Kody Smith, Marcela Soares Gigliotti De Carvalho, Amanda Thorpe, and Sonja Tregellis excel in providing personalised academic support, fostering inclusivity, and preparing students for future careers.
The team delivers one-on-one tutoring, emotional support, and creates a welcoming environment, significantly enhancing student engagement and academic success. Their initiatives, such as personalised emotional regulation charts and career-focused mentoring, have enriched students' educational experiences and personal development.
"ETASC's SLAs ensure every student feels supported and empowered, going above and beyond to foster a thriving, inclusive environment." - Tony Mylan, Principal
Marsden Park Anglican College, NSW - Teacher Aide Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Joey Green, Head of Individualised Learning
The Marsden Park Anglican College’s Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Tammy Holder, Whitney Kuiper, Laura Krajc, and Karen Reyes have profoundly impacted the school by enhancing student learning and emotional development through tailored support and innovative programs.
The team performs diverse roles including administrative tasks, event coordination, social programs, and targeted literacy/numeracy support, as well as providing social/emotional support for students who are unsettled. Their efforts have fostered a supportive environment that boosts student confidence and academic achievement.
"Their unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit have enriched our school community, significantly supporting both students’ academic progress and their overall wellbeing." - Joey Green, Nominator.
Rooty Hill Public School, NSW - Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Noele Steward, Relieving Assistant Principal Special Education
The Rooty Hill Public School’s SLSO Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Rachel Berry, Michele Power, Michelle Overton, and Luisa Gordon excel in supporting students with complex needs, enhancing their learning and emotional development through tailored programs and interventions.
This team provides critical support, including 1:1 student assistance, specialised literacy/numeracy programs, and social skills development. Their work significantly improves student engagement and wellbeing, fostering an inclusive environment.
"The team's dedication and expertise create an exceptional learning environment, significantly advancing our students’ academic progress and emotional growth." - Noele Steward, Relieving Assistant Principal.
St Ignatius' College Riverview, NSW- Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Rebecca Hoad, Head of Academic Operations
Absent: Kim Prodinger, Jackie Mead & Juliana Zaborski
The Saint Ignatius' College’s Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Kim Prodinger, Kathleen Hunt, Jesse Spang, Jackie Mead, Fiona Cameron, and Juliana Zaborski have significantly enhanced student inclusion and academic growth through tailored support and collaboration, fostering a more inclusive learning environment.
The team’s tasks include supporting SEIP and mainstream students, developing personalised education plans, and collaborating with teachers to modify curriculum and instruction. Their efforts have notably improved student engagement, independence, and social-emotional development.
"Each member of the SEIP team plays a crucial role in making our school more inclusive, significantly impacting both academic achievement and social interaction for our students." - Rebecca Hoad, Head of Academic Administration.
St Philip's Christian College, NSW - Learning Support Teacher’s Aide Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Leanne Preece, Director of Learning Support K-12
Middle row from left to right: Claire Byrnes, Michelle Fisher, Melanie Collaros & Narelle Arciniega
Bottom row from left to right: Tina Linden, Leanne Walsh, Tracey Piggott & Erin Lynch
The St Philip’s Christian College Cessnock’s Learning Support Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Lorraine Saxon, Michelle Fisher, Allika Lotter, Claire Byrnes, Annette Hessell, Leanne Walsh, Narelle Arciniega, Tina Linden, Carley Studdert, Tracey Piggott, Erin Lynch, and Melanie Collaros excel in fostering inclusive environments and supporting diverse student needs, greatly enhancing academic and personal development.
The team supports students individually and in groups across various subjects, fostering academic and social growth through personalised assistance and extracurricular involvement. They play a crucial role in ensuring students feel valued and confident both in and out of the classroom.
"They consistently go above and beyond, creating a nurturing environment that supports students’ academic success, emotional well-being, and personal growth." - Leanne Preece, Director of Learning Support K-12.
Prenzlau State School, QLD - Teacher Aide Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Jo Odorici, Principal
The Prenzlau State School’s Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Team Prenzlau, including three dedicated aides, has made a significant impact by implementing a successful reading intervention program, improving literacy skills and student wellbeing through tailored support and parent engagement.
The team developed and executed personalised reading plans, conducted one-on-one and group sessions, and engaged parents to support learning at home. Their efforts led to substantial improvements in reading proficiency and student confidence, with 85% showing progress by semester’s end.
“They have transformed our literacy program and fostered a supportive learning environment, making a profound difference in student achievement and overall school morale,” says the team nominator.
St Michael's College, QLD - Teacher Aide Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Bonn Hatton, Curriculum Leader: Inclusive Education
The St. Michael’s College Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Theresa Truskinger, Katie Buckby, Den Gutteridge, Jennifer Donnelly, Eve Lowe, Patricia Hewitt, and Tiana Pryde, along with Support Teachers Ingrid Dutton, Karin Yeaman, Ally Crawshaw, and Carol Shaw, have significantly enhanced student learning through targeted reading interventions and professional development.
The team supports academic needs by observing and assisting in reading programs, providing feedback, and modelling positive learning behaviors. Their efforts led to notable improvements in student reading scores and engagement, directly benefiting school-wide educational outcomes.
"Each member of the team brings a blend of compassion and expertise, creating an environment where students feel supported and motivated to succeed." -said Bonn Hatton, Curriculum Leader: Inclusive Education.
Franklin Primary School, TAS - Teacher Aide Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Franklin Primary School Executive Team
Absent: Tom Davidson, Cassy Wells & Grace Watson
The Franklin Primary School Teacher Aide Team has been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
The team, comprising of 12 dedicated individuals, has significantly enhanced student learning and wellbeing through their support in tiered Literacy programs, improved student attendance, and effective management of additional school-based programs.
They facilitate positive student outcomes by engaging in data collection, collaborating on learning strategies, and participating in Professional Learning Teams. Their commitment extends to providing a safe environment, organising activities, and supporting student engagement both in and out of the classroom.
"Our Teacher Aides' dedication and expertise create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive and feel celebrated, exemplifying our school’s vision of community and growth." said Neil Holmstrom, AST Lead Support Coordinator.
Oakleigh Grammar, VIC - Learning Enhancement Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Maria Elena Falla, Learning Enhancement Teacher
The Oakleigh Grammar Learning Enhancement Team has been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
The team excels in creating a nurturing environment, significantly improving academic performance and emotional wellbeing through personalised support and the implementation of inclusive education strategies.
They foster a collaborative educational setting by actively participating in team meetings, sharing resources, and assisting colleagues, which enhances the overall teaching experience. Their dedication to professional development is reflected in their continuous application of new skills, positively impacting student outcomes.
“The Learning Enhancement Team’s commitment to student success and professional growth greatly elevates the quality of support at our school, exemplifying excellence in education,” says the nominator.
St Peter's Primary School, VIC - Educational Support Officers Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Lauren White & Alexandra LoveLinay, Executive Leadership Team & Teaching Staff
Middle row: Michelle Barri, Hannah Baker, Cooper Houston, Ella Sloane, Jack Carey, Siologa Siu, Kristy Dupille & Madison Hall
Back row: Blake Barri & Jane Walsh
The St Peter’s Primary School Educational Support Officers (ESOs) have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
The 21 ESOs excel in supporting students with trauma, disadvantage, and disabilities through personalised assistance, daily wellbeing check-ins, and evidence-based trauma support. Their efforts include managing individual programs, engaging students in learning, and running essential school programs like breakfast club and brain breaks.
They collaborate closely with teachers and families, sharing crucial information and coordinating support to enhance student outcomes. Their commitment to professional development and feedback ensures they continuously improve their practices.
The ESOs' unwavering dedication and compassionate approach play an impactful role in the school’s success, ensuring every student feels supported and valued.
St Brigid's School, WA- Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Robert La Roche, Principal
The St Brigid’s School Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Sonja Smith, Sam Cheng, Leah Vallesi, Allison Vlasich, Adele Lymbery, and Jorden Marley have significantly impacted student learning and wellbeing through their dedicated support, including literacy interventions and professional development initiatives.
The team supports classroom learning, manages the special needs of students, coordinates playgroups, and leads extracurricular activities like gardening and Breakfast Club. Their commitment enhances the school's learning environment and student engagement.
Robert La Roche, Principal, stated, "The Teacher Aide Team’s exceptional dedication and versatility greatly enrich our students' educational experiences, making them invaluable to our school community.”
