Congratulations to the Highly Commended team nominees in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

These teams 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.

 

Nowra East Public School, NSW - Highly Commended Team

Nominated by: Karen Terry, Assistant Principal

Team members: Tiffany Davidson, Linda Garrett, Jane Quigan, Tracey Hopkins, Sian Smith, Marcus Dron, Tanya Gewohn, Alyson Zancolich, Jen Stephenson, Emma McGuire, Tina Stuart, Brooke Sloan, Alexis Barnett, Aimie Wright, Kayla Davis, Rachel Whitehead, Will Culbert, Brad Payne, Ava Gunning, Simone Barreett, Marley Smith, Nathan Byron, Jemma Ingold, Sharon Walmsley, Claudia Fernie, Katie Carbone, Tracey Dawson, Jen Holman, Tammy Stovin-bradford, Bella Williams & Ethan Reay.

The Nowra East Public School’s Student Learning Support Officer (SLSO) Team has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

This team of dedicated staff provides holistic support for student learning and wellbeing, including behaviour support, restorative practices, and breakfast programs that nurture and uplift students.

They implement trauma-informed strategies, facilitate social skill-building, and lead proactive playground initiatives. They also collaborate extensively with teachers and families, sharing insights and co-developing targeted support resources.

“Their unwavering commitment to the welfare and education of our students, especially those facing complex challenges, has made them an indispensable part of our school community,” said nominator Karen Terry. 

Mount Warren Park State School, QLD - Highly Commended Team

Nominated by: Mark Hitchen, Principal

Back row: Sonia Sylvester, Sharon Watt, Kym Allingham, Kath Kunde, Amanda Peace, Raelene Preston, Sharon Downs, Kathy Whitnall, Scott Ellis & Michelle Blocksidge.
Middle row: Hayley Mahony, Cheryl Barnett, Melissa Cherry, Danielle Hillard, Nicole Hele, Sue McKenzie, Mia Archbold, Jo Allen & Sally Downs.
Front row: Jane Bombala, Di Wilson & Reo Hoori.
Absent: Lesley Bunney, Karen Davis, Kerry Knight, Bonita Cooper, Anna Beresneva, Cat Duque, Liana Frisch & Melissa Finlay.

The Mount Warren Park State School’s Teacher Aide Team has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

This team provides exceptional support across classrooms and specialist settings, enabling inclusive and accessible education.

Their role includes personalised learning, Auslan communication, medical care, therapy collaboration, and family engagement through a community playgroup. Their unpaid commitment to Auslan learning reflects the team’s dedication to deep inclusion.

“Our teacher aides are crucial in delivering inclusive education… enabling all students to thrive both academically and emotionally,” said Principal Mark Hitchen.

Pittsworth State School, QLD - Highly Commended Team

Nominated by: Carol Ann Coonan, Principal

Front row: Suzy Rauchle, Kristie Fletcher, Kristie Grimmer.
Back row: Casey Byford, Jenny Beil, Lynelle Gordon.
Absent: Melissa Morris.

The Pittsworth State School’s Teacher Aide Team has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

This highly skilled  team delivers inclusive, evidence-based academic and wellbeing support across all year levels.

The team supports learning through phonics and speech intervention, manages Breakfast Club, co-leads school musicals and arts events, and tailors care for students with complex needs. Their collaboration in PBL, stakeholder meetings, and special events fosters a culture of unity and shared responsibility.

“We are lost without our aides,” is a common sentiment from staff, reflecting the team’s deep impact on student learning, staff collaboration, and community connections.

Kolbe Catholic College, VIC - Highly Commended Team

Nominated by: Nikole Cymbalak, Acting Deputy Principal - Operations

Left to Right: Tanya Borg, Nicola Karaconstantis, Sophia Antoniades & Patrick Ryan.

The Kolbe Catholic College’s Student Wellbeing Team has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

This team leads a whole-school approach to wellbeing that blends counselling expertise with proactive, community-driven initiatives.

Their programs include therapeutic groups, curriculum-aligned social-emotional learning, Run Club, Minecraft Club, and collaborative work with external providers to support identity, resilience, and anxiety management.

“Their work creates safe spaces for conversation, connection, and growth… and the positive ripple effect is evident across classrooms, playgrounds, and homes” says the College’s leadership team.

Yarra Glen Primary School, VIC - Highly Commended Team

Nominated by: Jessica Amey, Assistant Principal

Left to Right: Kay Corless, Allison McVicar, Danielle Joseph, Belinda Russell & Kai Martin.

The Yarra Glen Primary School’s Education Support Team  has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

The team works collaboratively to deliver innovative literacy and wellbeing programs that foster belonging and boost student outcomes across the school.

Facilitating over 20 MiniLit and Nessy sessions weekly, they report literacy gains of up to 212% in reading. They also lead wellbeing groups, lunchtime clubs, and contribute to whole-school initiatives promoting inclusion and regulation.

“Their positive  approach to professional growth ensures that the Education Support team remains innovative and responsive to the diverse needs of the students they support” says the school’s leadership team. 

Beverley District High School, WA - Highly Commended Team

Nominated by: Adrian Lister, Principal

Left to Right: Samantha Mearns, Sandra Mallatratt, Elle Berkhout, Gemma Ugle, Dee Tilley, Marie Walker, Amy Cleaver, Siobhan Marshall, Hollie Smith, Louise Atkinson, Amy Tasker & Amanda King.

The Beverley District High School’s Education Assistant Team has been Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

Team members, including Lead EA, EAs - Special Needs, and EAs - Mainstream, were recognised for their collaborative delivery of tailored academic and wellbeing programs that enhance student inclusion, learning, and engagement.

This team of EAs support in both classroom and small group settings, lead literacy and numeracy interventions, and adapt support strategies based on whole-school data. Their work with teaching staff and specialists ensures high-quality, inclusive support for students, including those with disabilities, EALD backgrounds, and complex medical needs.

In May 2025, the team was recognised with a Making a Difference citation by the Director General of Education, WA, who said “The team achieves positive outcomes for students of all abilities, collaboratively working with staff, parents and community to instill core values of inclusive education.”