2022 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year
Team Tally Teacher Aides
Nominated by: Zoe Harlow, Principal & Amy Stockbridge, Professional Learning Mentor
Congratulations to the Teacher Aide Team from Tallebudgera State School in Queensland, who have been named the 2022 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year.
The Team Tally Teacher Aides; Wendy Allder, Eugenia Bailey, Belinda Bulley, Corine Campbell, Justine Fear, Alison Gough, Meagan Hall, Nicole Hart, Sharon Howe, Luke Ireland, Lisa Klessens, Heidi Newton, Jodienne Ralph, Michelle Schuster, Darryl Simpson, Melissa Uttley, Samantha Waldron, Kate Warren, and Kathy Wright are an expert and passionate team of educators whose work ensures the inclusion and success of all students.
“Team Tally Teacher Aides are a critical part of the professional team, and their collective expertise, skill and care ensures that our school is inclusive, effective, safe and enjoyable for all students. Being passionate about the success of our students, school and team, they are known for going above and beyond and making a positive difference in the lives of young people.” said nominators Zoe Harlow, Principal, and Amy Stockbridge, Professional Learning Mentor at Tallebudgera State School.
This large team of teacher aides are highly-skilled at using evidence-based practices to support the achievement of improved student learning and wellbeing outcomes, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students with disabilities, children in care, gender diverse young people, and children with complex learning needs.
They deliver targeted intervention and support in literacy and numeracy, provide individual support of students with personalised learning plans, and deliver social skills programs to students with complex social, emotional and/or behavioural needs, making flourishing in mainstream school a possibility.
They assist with the early identification of students with oral language deficits in Prep, under the direction of a Speech Language Pathologist and teachers, followed by implementation of targeted intervention.
Team Tally Teacher Aides are respected, valued and essential to achieving quality outcomes in an inclusive school environment, and strong positive, collegial relationships between our teacher aide team and other colleagues, are evident.
The team demonstrate collaboration by using effective and inclusive communication with students, staff and other stakeholders, maintaining trust and a positive rapport. They discuss the intended learning for individuals and small groups with teachers, enabling them to implement effective instruction to meet student needs, actively seeking to understand the needs of students through discussion with a range of key staff members, provide feedback to teachers on student learning to inform next steps for individual students, and using a high level of initiative in their work.
Through intentional learning and informed discussion with teachers and each other, they provide support that is consistent with whole-school teaching practices, and seek feedback on their practice in order to develop the skills and strategies needed to provide high quality support to students.
They are a highly skilled and expert team of teacher aides who actively engage in professional learning to fulfil their roles to a high standard. They engage professionally and enthusiastically in the Developing Performance Planning process, and participate in regular professional learning that aligns to whole school priority areas and their personal Developing Performance Plans.
Team Tally also regularly participate in professional learning to ensure they are confident and capable to implement reading, oral language and phonics intervention programs as a critical part of the school’s Early Intervention Process.
Importantly, the team create an atmosphere of collegial fun and joy working with children, and all staff celebrate learning with students!
