2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year
Jenny Brown
Nominated by: Deputy Principal Michael Everett and Principal Scott Tapper
Congratulations to Jenny Brown, Lead Education Assistant at Gosnells Primary School in Western Australia, who is the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year.
Jenny is a driving force behind the professional growth of her team and the success of the students she supports. Through her leadership, she has embedded a culture of collaboration, reflective practice, and evidence-based teaching strategies, ensuring that every student receives consistent, high-quality support.
Jenny introduced a structured professional learning program that ensures all education assistants engage with targeted professional development aligned to school priorities and student needs. Every education assistant (EA) at Gosnells Primary School has now completed targeted Australian Teacher Aide modules, strengthening their skills in inclusive practice, curriculum knowledge, and supporting independent learning.
“Jenny has created an enduring, high-impact system that meets students where they are and helps them thrive” said Michael Everett. “Her leadership has significantly elevated the quality and consistency of EA-led support across the school.”
Jenny’s commitment to student learning and wellbeing is evident in the innovative Peer Shadow Program she designed for education assistants who are new to the school. This initiative allows new staff to observe high-impact, inclusive practices in action and receive coaching in trauma-informed care, positive behaviour support, and strategies for building student independence.
Her impact is seen clearly in student outcomes. One student with ASD, previously disengaged, now completes learning tasks independently and uses self-regulation tools - progress attributed directly to Jenny’s mentoring and strategic deployment of support staff. Teachers across the school report improved student focus, participation, and emotional wellbeing as a result of Jenny’s leadership.
Jenny also plays a pivotal role in strengthening collaboration between teachers and education assistants. She developed a centralised rostering system to ensure targeted support, facilitates regular team debriefs, and mentors colleagues in professional responsibilities, policy compliance, and effective communication. This has created a unified, responsive support model that benefits staff and students alike.
Her nominators noted that “Jenny is the linchpin in aligning support staff with teaching teams. Her ability to build effective professional relationships and coordinate targeted support ensures that every student receives cohesive, well-planned assistance.”
Jenny is also deeply committed to her own professional growth, consistently modelling reflective practice and lifelong learning. She engages with the Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS), supports colleagues in linking theory to practice, and ensures professional dialogue remains central to school culture.
Nominator, Michael Everett even signed Jenny’s nomination form with a galaxy pen, noting that “Jenny is out of this world”, a fitting tribute to her exceptional impact and dedication!
