Congratulations to the Highly Commended nominees in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
These nominees have been specially recognised for their positive impact on student learning and wellbeing, their commitment to improving their support practice through ongoing professional learning, and effective collaboration with colleagues.
Join our mailing list and get the latest award news delivered to your inbox.
Highly Commended
Matt Porter
Bidwill Public School, NSW
Nominated by: Michelle Drage, Executive Principal
Matt Porter, a School Learning and Support Officer at Bidwill Public School, NSW, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Now in his fourth year at the school, Matt supports students with complex academic and wellbeing needs, making a tangible impact through innovative programs and inclusive practices.
He is known for his calm, caring manner and ability to design and deliver highly engaging programs, including a hands-on life skills cooking and budgeting project and tailored wellbeing routines that support transitions back into mainstream classrooms.
“Given the success of the students with whom he works, Matt is often requested by both teachers and parents to be the person to support a specific group of children or a specific child,” says nominator Michelle Drage.
Highly Commended
Jorose Popham
Forest Lake State High School, QLD
Nominated by: Shane Williams, Head of Department - Junior Engagement
Jorose Popham, a Teacher Aide and Engagement Case Manager at Forest Lake State High School, QLD, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
With five years of dedicated service, Jorose has transformed student engagement and wellbeing through culturally responsive case management and innovative support programs.
Jorose leads with compassion and energy, coordinating wellbeing initiatives like the MADE basketball program, student-led lunch program, and cultural dance events while fostering deep, trusting relationships with students and families.
“Her compassion, consistency, and cheerfulness have made her a pillar of student support at Forest Lake SHS,” say nominators Shane Williams and Inga Muller.
Highly Commended
Nicole Warry
Morayfield State High School, QLD
Nominated by: Sarah Curti, English Head of Department
Nicole Warry, a Teacher Aide at Morayfield State High School, QLD, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Since 2019, Nicole has supported students across multiple learning environments with dedication, empathy and deep knowledge of inclusive education practices.
She delivers targeted literacy support through the Carol Christensen Decoding Program, mentors new teacher aides, and contributes to whole-school initiatives like Homework Club, creating safe, inclusive spaces for all learners.
“Being surrounded by someone with a collaborative spirit, initiative, and who is extremely reliable makes her an invaluable member of the team,” says nominator Sarah Curti.
Highly Commended
Miho Fukumoto
Red Hill Special School, QLD
Nominated by: Susan Cassidy, Speech-Language Pathologist
Miho Fukumoto, a Teacher Aide – Communication Resource Development, at Red Hill Special School, QLD, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
With over ten years of experience, Miho has elevated communication accessibility for students with complex needs by designing inclusive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) resources that enable meaningful participation in learning and daily routines.
Miho expertly creates high-contrast, symbol-based resources using Boardmaker, collaborates across the school to tailor communication supports, and actively promotes autonomy for non-verbal students through multimodal engagement.
“On countless occasions I have heard people say, ‘Where would we be without Miho?’” says nominator Susan Cassidy.
Highly Commended
Moene Snyders
T4 Engagement @ Devonport, TAS
Nominated by: Daniel Steven, Principal / Program Leader
Moene Snyders, a Community Liaison Officer and Teacher Aide at T4 Engagement @ Devonport, TAS, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Over the past 11 years, Moene has supported vulnerable students with compassion and calm, helping them reconnect with learning through trust, structure, and real-world opportunities.
He is completing his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to deliver VET courses, mentors students with trauma-informed care, and works closely with schools and agencies to create seamless, supportive transitions.
“Moene consistently goes far beyond what could ever be expected of someone in his role,” says his colleagues, “building deep, meaningful, and lasting relationships founded on trust and mutual respect.”
Highly Commended
Sarah Adams
Donald Primary School, VIC
Nominated by: Tanya McCulloch, Teacher
Sarah Adams, an Education Support staff member at Donald Primary School, VIC, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Over the past four years, Sarah has supported students with complex needs, including ASD and trauma backgrounds, with calm professionalism and a trauma-informed, structured approach.
She leads targeted literacy groups, implements sensory and behaviour supports, and has completed specialist training in Oppositional Defiant Disorder, making a measurable difference in student confidence, self-regulation, and academic growth.
Nominator, Tanya McCulloch shared one student’s case: “A direct result of Mrs Adams’ skilled and steady support is that the student is now attending more regularly, remaining in class longer, and engaging more frequently in group learning tasks.”
Highly Commended
Marie Walker
Beverley District High School, WA
Nominated by: Aliesha Murray, Associate Principal
Marie Walker, a Lead Education Assistant at Beverley District High School, WA, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Since 2001, and as LEA since 2022, Marie has championed trauma-informed practice and led a high-performing EA team that delivers inclusive, student-centred support across the school.
Her leadership includes mentoring, developing critical intervention tools, coordinating professional learning, and directly supporting students with complex medical and behavioural needs with dignity and expertise.
“Marie leads with empathy, integrity, and vision… her influence reaches far beyond her own role—shaping a collaborative, student-centred culture across BDHS,” says nominator Aliesha Murray.
Highly Commended
Amanda Porter
Kwoorabup Nature School, WA
Nominated by: Sharon Gill, Year 1 Teacher
Amanda Porter, an Education Assistant at Kwoorabup Nature School, WA, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Since 2024, Amanda has combined evidence-based literacy intervention with nature-connected learning to re-engage students and accelerate their progress, especially those at risk of disengagement.
Amanda leads small-group phonics instruction, integrates multisensory strategies, and uses outdoor learning to support student wellbeing and academic growth, with some students gaining up to 12 months’ progress in a short time.
“Mandy creates an environment where all learners can thrive,” says nominator Sharon Gill, “blending academic rigour with real-world relevance to foster resilience, reduce stress, and empower students.”
Highly Commended
Kelly Brown
Samson Primary School, WA
Nominated by: Megan Elsbury, Deputy Principal
Kelly Brown, a Special Needs Education Assistant at Samson Primary School, WA, has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Kelly has supported students across the school with compassion and exceptional skill, coordinating key programs, leading intervention support, and promoting a culture of care and inclusion.
From managing complex medical needs to facilitating behaviour strategies, academic intervention, and literacy programs, Kelly brings warmth, initiative and professionalism to every aspect of school life.
“Kelly just goes about things independently and always with a genuine heart and a big smile! A real asset to our school,” says nominator Meg Elsbury.
