Congratulations to the Highly Commended Team nominees in the 2023 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 teachers and colleagues, and improved practice through professional development and training.
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 our Highly Commended Teams are making to students, their schools, and the community.
Coomera Springs State School, QLD- Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Jessica Glossop, Head of Inclusion
The Coomera Springs State School Inclusion Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Haley Merritt, Chris Millar, Vinny Dodeja, Rebecca Mulheran, and Janine Mare create supportive and inclusive classroom environments that encourages active student participation, have positive relationships with students, and foster a sense of belonging.
The Team collects all student data which allows the Inclusion Teachers and Head of Inclusion to strategically plan areas of improvement and differentiate instruction to ensure that all students have equal access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Teacher Aide Team are trained in the use of Augmentative Alternative Communication for students with severe expressive and receptive delays, and implement Occupational or Physical Therapists’ recommendations to support students accessing school environments.
Jessica Glossop, Head of Inclusion said that their contributions extend beyond the classroom as they foster inclusive environments, collaborate with teachers, facilitate differentiated instruction, complete administrative tasks, and serve as positive role models.
Darling Point Special School, QLD- Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Melissa Mikkelsen, Special Education Classroom Teacher
The Darling Point Special School Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Maidie Quennell and Kerry Herriot collaborate with teachers and colleagues to ensure students with disabilities receive comprehensive support and student needs are prioritised.
Maidie and Kerry share student progress, challenges, or specific classroom needs with teachers, enabling the teachers to make informed decisions and adapt instructional methods accordingly. They also work with external specialists, such as occupational therapists or mobility instructors, and participate in training to gain insights and techniques that can be implemented in the classroom.
Through their commitment to professional development and training, Maidie and Kerry are continually refining their practice, to ensure they are equipped with the most effective strategies to enhance the communication and learning outcomes of non-verbal students.
Special Education Classroom Teacher, Melissa Mikkelsen said that Maidie and Kerry, are phenomenal teacher aides, and bring an invaluable positive impact to the classroom, elevating student learning and overall wellbeing.
Kawana Waters State College, QLD- Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Kristine Hanna, Maria Logan, Marta Gardeazabal Arroyo and Simon Kelly, Teacher Special Needs
Kawana Waters State College Teacher Aide Team have been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Bonnie Cole, Jody Ireland, Charlene Wheeler, Romina Sculli, and Sarah Lewis are part of the College’s Learning Centre Team.
The Team delivers targeted lessons, implement the school’s literacy intervention and maths program, and liaise with classroom teachers to ensure inclusivity in tasks, and smooth transitions for both students and staff who support them.
The team work collaboratively with teachers, specialists and case managers, meeting regularly to share critical information to inform learning needs and ensure the best possible support for inclusion. They implement targeted intervention to meet specific needs, develop and implement adjusted programs to meet extensive learning goals, and participate in restorative justice practises to minimise anti-social behaviours.
In their nomination, Special Needs teachers Kristine Hanna, Maria Logan, Marta Gardeazabal Arroyo, and Simon Kelly said that their Teacher Aide Team ensure the inclusion of all students regardless of need or disability across every year level.
Nazareth College, VIC- Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Emma Wray, Instructional Leader - Learning Diversity and Engagement
Nazareth College Learning Diversity Team – Learning Support Officers have been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
The Nazareth College Learning Support Officer Team: Sanjulata Mourya, Amy Graham, Tania Persi, Jason Robert, Elisha Duckett, Emily Bryon, Naomi Pernar, Priya Gnanaswamy, Shyla James, Caitlin Trustum, Angela Jordan, Maria Hatzis support students with learning and wellbeing.
They collaborate with the Wellbeing Team to address students’ needs and apply evidence-based strategies to provide class support, small group and 1:1 intervention, online support, after school homework support, and deliver Multi-Lit, Spell-It, and Quick-Smart Mathematics.
The Learning Support Officer Team meet for daily and collaborate with teachers to ensure they understand the subject matter and resources required for each lesson and reflect with teachers about the support that was delivered, the individual difficulties students may be experiencing, and how support could be improved.
Emma Wray, Instructional Leader - Learning Diversity and Engagement said that the number of students requiring additional support has decreased due to the effectiveness of these direct intervention groups as our EAs support student progress.
Living Waters Lutheran College, WA- Team Highly Commended
Nominated by: Johan Davies, Head of Primary School
The Living Waters Lutheran College – Education Assistant Team have been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
The Education Assistant Team at Living Waters Lutheran College, Helen Cullen, Janine Galbraith, Alyssa Vagliviello, Hazel Donaghy, Chrissy Bestford, Nat Bassie, Janet Shaw, Michelle Matter, Jenni Wilson, Carolyn Gray, Kylie Keegans, Sarah Lo Presti, Isabella Speed, Tracey Mcivor, Tom Gannon, Kate Morellini, Ryan Spencer, Tabatha Miller, and Olivia Kama have a positive impact on student learning and well-being.
They engage with students to provide targeted interventions, create a nurturing learning environment, and assist teaching staff to identify students requiring additional support in literacy and numeracy.
The EA Team regularly collaborates with teachers to implement targeted intervention in Spelling, Reading and Mathematics, identify students with diverse learning needs, and share valuable insights to enhance every student’s learning experience.
Head of Primary School, Johan Davies said that the truly wonderful nature and effective collaboration of our EAs allow our staff to work as a team, valuing each other's expertise and contributions to maximise student success.
