2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year
Rachel Hawkins
Nominated by: Nathan Schubert, Head Teacher - Supported Education (Special Education)

Congratulations to Rachel Hawkins, a Student Learning Support Officer (SLSO) at Monaro High School, in New South Wales, who is the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year.
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Rachel is making an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning at Monaro High School, where she demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the growth and development of the Student Learning Support Officer team and a clear focus on improving student outcomes. Rachel has helped improve student learning and wellbeing outcomes by leading the development of a consistent approach to supporting student independence. The school identified that many students who accessed mainstream as a part of their learning program had significant reliance on SLSO support and set the goal to reduce dependence on staff. Head Teacher of Supported Education, Nathan Schubert, who nominated Rachel, said "The challenge was to change the perspective of students, however, simply telling them be independent wasn't going to work! Changing student mindset had to come from education and support. Rachel was tasked with developing a consistent approach to supporting student independence (especially in mainstream) via coaching and mentoring SLSOs." |
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In collaboration with other staff, Rachel researched and developed a plan based on evidence-based strategies, targeting student agency, and high expectations, and provided professional development opportunities to SLSOs to build an understanding of what independence looked like.
The plan provided the faculty with a clear framework, and within one school term, student independence and behaviour at Monaro High School improved, and attendance increased, leading to an overall improvement in student learning and wellbeing.
Rachel fosters a culture of continued collaboration and professional growth amongst SLSOs and teachers to further support the individual needs of students at the school.
Rachel conducts weekly mentoring sessions for the first 10 weeks of work for new SLSOs and supports new staff to understand their role by working collaboratively with them in the classroom. Additionally, Rachel has advocated for SLSOs to have a once-a-week meeting with the executive teacher to discuss general and targeted student needs.
Rachel has also contributed significantly to improved collaboration with teachers and colleagues, by creating a handbook that outlines the roles and responsibilities of SLSOs at Monaro High School.
Nathan Schubert explained, "Previously there was very little support for SLSOs at Monaro High School. Rachel identified issues with induction, training, and support for SLSOs."
The handbook now underpins Monaro High School’s philosophy for SLSOs and is used by Rachel to conduct induction programs, provide training opportunities, and importantly provide a framework for ongoing mentoring to staff.
Rachel is committed to improving her professional practice and has taken on a leadership role at Monaro High School to support SLSOs professional learning.
"Rachel's passion for learning and development of SLSOs individually, collectively and as a profession has assisted to change the culture at Monaro High School where SLSO professional development is now encouraged, valued, and celebrated," said Mr Schubert.
She leads SLSO professional learning at Monaro High School and is participating in the development of the Australian Standards for Paraprofessional Educators in Schools.
Rachel was tasked with developing a professional development plan that was beyond the mandatory compliance training for all SLSOs and responsive to the dynamic needs of students, staff, and school.
In collaboration with executive staff, Rachel successfully advocated for professional learning to be scheduled for all SLSOs. Due to Rachel's advocacy for staff development, SLSO's have also been extended the opportunity to participate in professional development that has historically been for teaching staff.
In conclusion, Mr Schubert said, "Rachel's own personal professional development and her willingness to assist others develop their knowledge and skills is second to none and is a driving factor in why SLSOs are so valued at Monaro High School. Her commitment to both students and staff is continuous, her enthusiasm for improvement is relentless and she drives everyone to be better each day."
Congratulations, Rachel, on your exceptional achievements!
Congratulations to the State Finalists in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
The 2023 Finalists have been recognised for their positive impact on student learning and wellbeing, collaboration with teachers and colleagues, and improved practice through professional development and training, in their schools.
Thank you to the school leaders who made time to recognise the work of their teacher aides by submitting a nomination. We hope you are inspired by our outstanding finalists and enjoy reading about the significant contribution they are making to students, their schools, and the community.

State Finalist
Vanny Ho
Dickson College - Secondary Introductory English Centre (SIEC), ACT
Nominated by: Reece Cheater, Executive Teacher of SIEC
Vanny Ho, a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at Dickson College - Secondary Introductory English Centre, is the Australian Capital Territory Finalist in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Vanny contributes significantly to the learning and wellbeing of students at Dickson College, and her commitment to lifelong learning, willingness to share knowledge, and ability to implement best practices have positively impacted both students and staff.
"Vanny has worked at Dickson College for thirty-three years providing wellbeing and learning support to migrant and refugee students in the Secondary Introductory English Centre. (SIEC) Her impact is generational, and we often have students return to the SIEC to reconnect with her and share their successes," said Reece Cheater, Executive Teacher of SIEC.
Vanny supports English as a second language learners in the classroom and has improved the wellbeing of students by modelling inclusive practices to build positive partnerships with learners and their families. This has enabled Vanny to identify the challenges of students and effectively collaborate with teachers to develop and implement strategies to support their individual needs.
Vanny's ability to create safe and inclusive learning environments, is exemplified through her support of a student with a refugee background and hearing loss. Vanny kept detailed records, collected data on his wellbeing, met with his teachers to share the information, advocated for evidence-based adjustments in the classroom, enabling the team to create an adjustment matrix with strategies to assist him to access his learning.
Since the adjustments were implemented, the student's attendance has increased, with significant improvements to his speaking and listening skills. As well, the student was enabled to maintain his cultural identity.
Vanny actively collaborates with colleagues across the ACT to understand the needs of students, teachers, community partners, and network schools.
She has formed a strong partnership with the Red Cross to successfully support the transition of refugee students to the SIEC. Vanny identified that refugee students at the early stage of their enrolment required ongoing medical and dental appointments and were missing significant learning. She proactively connected with the manager of the Red Cross, to assist caseworkers and families to streamline their appointments. This ensured teachers were aware of the appointments prior to lessons and could adjust their practice accordingly.
Vanny has consistently demonstrated dedication to improving her practice through professional
development and training. She engages in professional conversations and establishes professional development goals to guide her continual improvement. She participates in regular coaching meetings to reflect on her successes, identify knowledge and skill gaps, and set goals that support her to improve student learning and promote best practice in the classroom.

State Finalist
Jeddah Taorei
Goomeri State School, QLD
Nominated by: Brendan Keenan, Classroom Teacher
Jeddah Taorei, a Teacher Aide at Goomeri State School, is the Queensland Finalist in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Jeddah is making a significant contribution to literacy learning and student wellbeing at Goomeri State School.
"Jeddah has been a teacher aide for over 8 years. She espouses an 'anything is possible with effort' philosophy and has positively impacted the success of hundreds if not thousands of students in the South Burnett area," said Year 2 teacher, Brendan Keenan.
Jeddah has made a positive impact on student learning and wellbeing outcomes through group literacy intervention, and social and emotional support for students with a range of speech language disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder.
She works in partnership with the region's speech pathologist to implement intervention programs and conducts weekly extension phonics and literacy intervention. Jeddah provides detailed feedback to both the speech pathologist and classroom teachers, of areas where students are achieving, and areas needing further support, ensuring students receive the appropriate support.
She also collaborates with HOSES on aspects of the Queensland Kindergarten learning guidelines, to identify and provide targeted support to students, and differentiate learning. For example, Jeddah identified a student needing fine motor practice, and provided short daily practice exercises to improve dexterity and strength.
As a result of Jeddah's work, 54% of students who started school unable to read, passed a diagnostic screening test with 97-100% accuracy, and one student progressed to no longer requiring speech language intervention.
Jeddah collaborates effectively with teachers, colleagues, and external staff, and has helped increase student wellbeing and their drive to succeed.
Jeddah collaborates with the classroom teacher to identify student achievement, adapt lessons to the specific needs of students, share information on trauma informed practice and behaviour, and assist with regulation of emotion activities.
Through her collaboration with the Year 2 teacher, and playground staff, to tailor strategies in students' Individual Behaviour Support Plans, Jeddah has contributed to a 58% drop in major and minor behaviour incidents, over one term.
Jeddah actively seeks opportunities to improve her practice through continuous professional development and training.
As a result of the systematic synthetic phonics training Jeddah attended, she implemented literacy intervention groups aligned with Version 9 of the Australian curriculum, leading to increased literacy levels.

State Finalist
Roberto Crespan
Claremont College, TAS
Nominated by: Rachel Barnstable, Support Teacher
Roberto Crespan, an Educational Support Professional (ESP) at Claremont College is the Tasmanian Finalist in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Roberto supports high and additional needs students in the school's Next Step Program and in mainstream classes such as woodwork and automotive. He has additional responsibilities organising the Driving for Jobs program and the Breakfast Club.
Roberto plays a crucial role in implementing various initiatives to enhance student learning and wellbeing, including organising and implementing the schoolwide breakfast club, partnering with RACT to offer the Driving for Jobs Program, and assisting students with additional needs achieve TCE or TCEA outcomes.
He facilitates the driving program by identifying students who require support to gain their license, and collaborates with the student, their family and teaching staff to determine the support the student requires for success.
Through his efforts in the Driving for Jobs program 13 students in 2022, and 14 students in 2023, gained their learners licence, and an additional fourteen students obtained their provisional licence. These initiatives have created opportunities for employment and promoted attendance and confidence among students at Claremont college.
Roberto collaborates with teachers and colleagues to develop and implement learning plans and find alternative ways to assist students achieve their personal and academic goals. He assists in lesson planning and unit design and ensures that resources are available and up to date to support student learning by assisting teachers in sourcing relevant materials. He also provides additional support and guidance to students in small groups, resulting in improved student engagement and achievement.
Roberto has demonstrated a commitment to ongoing professional development and training that has contributed to the success of programs at Claremont College. He is a positive role model for new ESP staff, and mentors new staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support student learning.
He is actively involved in the school-wide professional development plan with focus on Trauma-Informed Practices and Inclusive Practices models and applies these practices with students by understanding their individual needs and responding with the appropriate strategies. Roberto has also taken initiative to gain professional development across the technology-based subjects to enable students to be integrated inclusively into programs that would otherwise be out of their scope.
"The school serves highly disadvantaged students, and Roberto is committed to providing inclusive and trauma-informed support to all students through school-wide professional development. He applies these practices with students, and his inclusive and trauma-informed support contributes to a safe and supportive school environment for all students," said Rachel Barnstable, Support Teacher.

State Finalist
Jodie Pettit
Balwyn High School, VIC
Nominated by: Hamish Anderson, Assistant Principal
Jodie Pettit, a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at Balwyn High School, is the Victorian Finalist in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Jodie's nomination demonstrates her outstanding contribution to teaching and learning at Balwyn High School through her advocacy for vulnerable students, impact on student progress and development of 'life-skills.'
"Jodie has been central to the engagement in learning and positive wellbeing for all our students, particularly students with physical disability. Through her values of integrity, optimism, and empathy, Jodie leads with a whole-hearted approach, to ensure reasonable adjustments are made so all students experience growth, as aligned with the Department of Education and Training's priorities," said Hamish Anderson, Assistant Principal.
Jodie is a passionate advocate for the most vulnerable students at the school and ensures all students funded on the Program for Students with Disabilities are provided the best possible care and access to education.
Over the past year, Jodie has worked closely with a student who is legally blind and another student with spina bifida. As a result of the interventions provided by Jodie to support the students to engage in learning and support their wellbeing, the students continue to make significant progress.
As senior Learning Support Assistant, Jodie contributes to improved collaboration with teachers and colleagues, and assists classroom teachers review lesson plans to ensure differentiation and/or modification is appropriate to engage all learners and their needs are met.
Jodie collaborates with the Learning Support Assistant team through weekly reflection on student learning and behaviour outcomes and timetabling, to ensure equity across the team and to support the development of best practice.
Jodie undertakes continuous professional learning on inclusive education so students with disability can participate in learning on the same basis as their peers, and mentors new Learning Support Assistants through professional conversations, scaffolding support strategies in the classroom, and role-modelling best practice through observations.
Significantly, over the past year Jodie has capitalised on her learning through the State-wide Vision Resource Centre, Visiting Teachers from the DET and self-directed online Braille courses, to ensure a student who is legally blind can access learning and engage within the school community.
Jodie has developed proficiency in supporting students with visual disabilities, overwrites learning materials to support teachers and other LSAs; provides professional learning to other LSAs in the use of technologies, and engages in learning intervention support with classroom teachers.
As a result, teachers have gained a greater sense of confidence in the use of resources to ensure the student can connect with learning and engage in the community, and the student and family feel very well supported by the school community.

State Finalist
Kathryn Collins
Tambellup Primary School, WA
Nominated by: Sue Sheridan, Level 3 Classroom Teacher
Kathryn Collins, a Special Needs Education Assistant at Tambellup Primary School, is the Western Australia Finalist in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Kathryn provides support in the Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, and the Year 1 room, and is making a significant positive impact at Tambellup Primary School.
Kathryn designs and implements physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy programs. She trials and collects data and maintains records for external staff to adjust provided programs.
Kathryn uses augmentative communication devices to meet the diverse language needs students, and has effectively implemented boundary training, so that the neurodiverse and Kindergarten children who are inclined to be flight risks, are kept safe.
An example of Kathryn's impact has been the complete transformation of an ASD student, whom Kathryn has worked with for the last three years to implement boundary training, keyword signing, toileting and explicitly teach academic skills and concepts.
"The progress this child has made in all areas has been outstanding. Fast forward to today and the student can use key word signing, communicate with visuals, use assistive technology, lines up with her peers on the bell, and is no longer a flight risk. She can complete given tasks independently, to the best of her ability," said Sue Sheridan, Level 3 Classroom Teacher.
Kathryn is a crucial member of the teaching team in the Early Childhood room and collaborates effectively with colleagues to support all children meet their learning outcomes, supports less experienced colleagues, and mentor new team members.
Kathryn has collaborated with the class teacher to design a timetable that is easy for everyone to follow, ensuring that it includes individual therapy time as well as explicit teaching of new skills, practise of previously learnt concepts and opportunities for students to work, play and interact with their peers. She has also set up individualised recording systems so that each child's development can be recorded.
As a result of Kathryn's input, students continue to make significant progress in all areas of their learning, and she has been the catalyst which has enabled children who have started school as non- verbal to be able to communicate with their peers and with the teaching staff, through the use of signing and verbal communication.
Kathryn continually strives to improve her practice through ongoing professional learning.
She has undertaken online learning to further her understanding of Autism, Augmented and Assistive Communication, and Classroom Management and Positive Behaviours in Schools, and of restorative justice practises. Kathryn is currently the internal coach of the Positive Behaviours in School's team.
Congratulations to the Highly Commended nominees in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
The Highly Commended nominees 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 aides. We hope you enjoy reading about the difference our Highly Commended nominees make to students, their schools, and the community.

Highly Commended
Marie Lee
Bidwill Public School, NSW
Nominated by: Michelle Drage, Executive Principal
Marie Lee, a Learning Support Assistant, at Cranleigh School ACT, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Marie has worked at Cranleigh School as a Learning Support Assistant since 2017 and has been instrumental in teaching staff to use complex Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Marie ensures that the children she works with have a voice, by quietly and effectively modelling Augmentative and Alternative Communication to everyone around her, and has developed a rich skill set to model and teach complex communication and sensory regulation strategies to both students and other staff members.
Deputy Principal, Cathy Otten, described Marie as the Learning Support Queen, and said that she maintains a wholistic approach to students and their families, working quietly and confidently to develop strong and trusting connections on which to base a strong learning environment.

Highly Commended
Sharon Everson
Central Coast Steiner School, NSW
Nominated by: Rosemary Michalowski, Principal
Sharon Everson, Head of Secondary School Learning Support at Central Coast Steiner School NSW, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Sharon liaises with teachers to differentiate instruction and assessment strategies, implement appropriate adjustments, and coach students to successful completion of assessment tasks.
Sharon demonstrates an intelligent and insightful approach to understanding and supporting complex students' needs, drawing on evidence-based practices to implement creative and diverse adjustments, and coaching students to overcome mindset hurdles.
Principal Rosemary Michalowski said that Sharon's support has meant that students who may otherwise have experienced a sense of failure instead experienced themselves as successful and capable learners. Over the last 16 years, hundreds of students have benefited meaningfully from her assistance. Each year, approximately 20% of our graduating students may not have received a ROSA qualification without Sharon's intervention.

Highly Commended
Hilary Windsor
Denison College Of Secondary Education, Kelso High Campus, NSW
Nominated by: Nathan Kenny, Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support
Hilary Windsor, a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO), at Denison College of Secondary Education, Kelso High Campus, NSW, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Hilary leads the QuickSmart maths program across the entire Kelso High School campus, and is responsible for developing, implementing, and reviewing all aspects of the program, ensuring its effectiveness and impact on student numeracy skills.
She trains the SLSOs in the delivery of the QuickSmart program, and works with students to improve their automatic recall of number facts, and provide them with strategies for calculating numbers, and acquire of problem-solving skills.
Nathan Kenny, Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support, reported that Hilary has had a significant impact on student learning outcomes, and that Year 7 diagnostic testing showed that the average growth of students who participated in the QuickSmart program more than double that of students who did not.

Highly Commended
Michelle Whiting
OneSchool Global - East Maitland Campus, NSW
Nominated by: Timothy Brennan, Teacher
Michelle Whiting, a Learning Support Officer (SLSO), at OneSchool Global - East Maitland Campus, NSW, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Michelle helps to improve the literacy of identified students through intervention programs implemented by the Learning Support team. She delivers the Macqlit program for groups of students in the primary school, and individual students identified for targeted intervention in the secondary school.
The OneSchool Global East Maitland Team who nominated Michelle, agreed that she is a vital part of students learning journey and has contributed greatly to their growth and wellbeing both academically and socially.
Michelle's dedication to professional growth to better support students is evident in her practice, and records of student achievement demonstrate a clear pattern of improvement at a rate which is well above what they would be able to achieve through their regular classes alone.

Highly Commended
Terri Wilson
Pymble Ladies' College, NSW
Nominated by: Lora Lim, Head of Learning Support & Kate Brown, Head of Junior School
Terri Wilson, a Teacher Aide, at Pymble Ladies' College NSW, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Terri works across Year 3 to Year 12, supporting students with a range of disabilities, and is a strong advocate for students with disability and their families.
Terri works in partnership with Learning Support teachers to lead the College's literacy intervention program, MacqLit. She implements systematic reading intervention, keeps detailed records of student's progress, and liaises with class teachers to differentiate instruction, and has directly improved the reading accuracy and fluency of 15 students across Years 3 - 6, with a growth range from 6 to 18mths in reading accuracy and/or reading fluency.
We consider Terri a quiet hero, said Lora Lim, Head of Learning Support & Kate Brown, Head of Junior School.

Highly Commended
Julie Kennan
Ravenswood School for Girls, NSW
Nominated by: Fiona Cooney, Head of Learning Enrichment and Research
Julie Kennan, a Learning Enrichment Teaching Assistant at Ravenswood School for Girls NSW, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Julie plays an instrumental role in the learning and wellbeing of junior school students, currently supporting Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 students, and a high needs student in Year 5, as well as and providing support to students requiring disability provisions in the senior school.
She supports individual students in reading, writing, and maths groups, coordinates small group literacy support programs, oversees testing and support for decodable readers for Year 2 students, and provides intensive support for high needs students.
Fiona Cooney, Head of Learning Enrichment and Research, said that Julie's dedication to student learning, commitment to professional growth, and collaborative relationships with staff have significantly enhanced their educational environment.

Highly Commended
Ashleigh Olsen
St Columba Anglican School, NSW
Nominated by: Brianna Lukes, Teacher
Ashleigh Olsen, a Teacher Aide, at St Columba Anglican School, NSW, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Ashleigh works in a diverse classroom setting with students of varying abilities and needs, providing support to students with learning difficulties, and assisting in the implementation of behaviour management strategies.
She collaborates with teachers to develop and modify lesson plans to accommodate student needs, provide essential assistance in classroom management and organisation, develop and implement differentiated instructional strategies, and adapt materials and activities to meet the diverse needs of students.
Teacher, Brianna Lukes, said Ashleigh has made a significant impact on the overall effectiveness of the school community, and is known for her willingness to share resources, knowledge, and effective teaching practices with colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Highly Commended
Cameron Walsh
Forest Lake State High School, QLD
Nominated by: Leonie White, Head of Special Education Services
Cameron Walsh, a Teacher Aide at Forest Lake State High School, QLD has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Cameron works in a range of classroom environments, including Design Technology, Engineering, Furnishing, Graphics Skills and eSports, and regularly supports students with substantial or extensive learning needs.
Cameron strives to ensure active engagement in learning by knowing each student, building rapport, and tailoring his approach according to their needs. He consistently reinforces teacher expectations and instructions, and updates teachers with information he receives during lessons, to inform future lessons. He observes students and encourages them to articulate their learnings and showcase their mastery of subject-specific skillsets.
Leonie White, Head of Special Education Services said that Cameron is committed to helping every student reach their potential at Forest Lake State High School.

Highly Commended
Kristal Sztybel
Kenmore State High School, QLD
Nominated by: Visual Arts, Media and Business Department, through Principal Mr Paul Robertson
Kristal Sztybel, a Teacher Aide at Kenmore State High School, Queensland has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Kristal supports the 'Presenting' dimension for student work within the Australian Curriculum - The Arts (Media Arts and Visual Arts), inspiring student creators, and promoting wellbeing through self-expression and community validation.
She has curated the school's art gallery with displays of students' work, designed and printed alumni plaques that celebrate the achievements of past students working in the media industry, designed bespoke subject brochures, and produced stylish programs, tickets, attendance spreadsheets and posters for a range of events including Open Days, Subject Selection Days and Film Premiere Nights.
The Visual Arts, Media and Business department, and Principal Mr Paul Robertson described Kristal as an unsung hero, and a role-model giant.

Highly Commended
Andrea Bishop
Northern Christian School, TAS
Nominated by: Kerrie Prentice, Learning Enrichment Coordinator
Andrea Bishop, a Teacher Aide at Northern Christian School TAS, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Andrea coordinates the Macqlit Program, working closely with teachers and the Learning Enrichment Team to plan, implement, monitor and adjust the program and activities students are working on, and identify students who may benefit from additional instruction.
As a result of ongoing professional development and training, Andrea has gained the skills to assess student learning, implement resources and programs including MacqLit and PM Benchmark Assessment; and work successfully with students with Specific Learning Disorders in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
Kerrie Prentice said that Andrea demonstrates a passion for working with all students, particularly those students who need extra support and encouragement, and is held in high regard by the school community.

Highly Commended
Maxine Baring
Good Shepherd College, VIC
Erin Parker, Applied Learning Teacher
Maxine Baring, a Teacher Aide at Good Shepherd College, VIC, has been Highly Commended in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Maxine works with the Year 10 Applied Learning teacher and twelve students, to deliver MacqLit and SMART Spelling to individuals and small groups. She provides 1:1 and small group support to students delivering Numeracy and/or Literacy intervention as well as delivering lessons focused on Financial Literacy.
Maxine collaborates with the teacher to understand tasks, the support required, and the materials to prepare for the successful delivery of lessons. She works with teachers or relevant staff to debrief, analyse behaviours and actions, and plan for next steps.
Erin Parker, Applied Learning Teacher said that Maxine is very diligent in ensuring she understands the purpose of tasks and the desired student outcomes.
Congratulations to the following teacher aides who have been nominated in the 2023 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards, and thank you to all the school leaders who took the time and effort to acknowledge the valuable role of their teacher aides.
SCHOOL |
NOMINEE |
NOMINATED BY: |
| Arndell Anglican College, NSW | Anna Putrino | Tina Angus |
| Balwyn High School, VIC | Jodie Pettit | Hamish Anderson |
| Cathedral College Wangaratta, VIC | Sally Colson | Candace Potter |
| Central Coast Steiner School, NSW | Sharon Everson | Rosemary Michalowski |
| Chairo Christian School, Drouin, Middle School, VIC | Christine Pedersen | Vicki Remyn |
| Claremont College, TAS | Roberto Crespan | Rachel Barnstable |
| Communities At Work Galilee School, ACT | Maria Hill | Lisa Hivers |
| Coolum State School, QLD | Sarah Tyler | Judy Williams, Kylie Sampson, Sam Bollard and Kellie Frew |
| Cranleigh School, ACT | Marie Lee | Cathy Otten |
| Cranleigh School, ACT | Claudia Vanegas-Alzate | Amy Foran |
| Cranleigh School, ACT | Lilly Kennett | Shae Souden |
| Cranleigh School, ACT | Rachel Clarke | Laura Pardoe |
| Cranleigh School, ACT | Rae Arthur | Tahlia Kecan |
| Currimundi Special School, QLD | Sarah Lewin | Sam Heymel |
| Delaneys Creek State School, QLD | Karen Wade | Julianne Mabb |
| Denison College Of Secondary Education, NSW | Carol North | Nathan Kenny |
| Denison College Of Secondary Education, NSW | Hilary Windsor | Nathan Kenny |
| Denison College Of Secondary Education, NSW | Kelly Chatfield | Nathan Kenny |
| Denison College Of Secondary Education, NSW | Jan Stait | Nathan Kenny |
| Dickson College, ACT | Vanny Ho | Reece Cheater |
| Duri Public School, NSW | Natalie Crittle | Catherine Anderson |
| Fitzgerald State School, QLD | Sheryn Cliff | Carolyn Berck |
| Forest Lake State High School, QLD | Cameron Walsh | Leonie White |
| Geebung State School, QLD | Melanie Parker | Rebecca Travers |
| Giant Steps Sydney, NSW | Lorrae Stutchbury | Caitlin Millauro |
| Giant Steps Sydney, NSW | Deb Preston | Sarah Rawlins |
| Good Shepherd College, VIC | Maxine Baring | Erin Parker |
| Goomeri State School, QLD | Jeddah Taorei | Brendan Keenan |
| Harristown State High School, QLD | Dale Squires | Marcus Cowen |
| Hillcrest Christian College, VIC | Carolyn Kruger | Keith Chow |
| HopePoint Christian School, NSW | Emma Lord | Jade Davila |
| Hunter Valley Grammar School, NSW | Dimiti Bridge | Kate Harkness |
| International Grammar School, NSW | Erica Mistler | Michelle Weir |
| Kenmore State High School, QLD | Kristal Sztybel | Visual Arts, Media and Business Department, through Principal Mr Paul Robertson |
| Kin Kora State School, QLD | Debra Reardon | Margaret Smith |
| Kwoorabup Nature School, WA | Hollie Gilmore | Olivia Carter |
| Monaro High School, NSW | Danielle Frezza | Lee Riley |
| Monaro High School, NSW | Rachel Hawkins | Nathan Schubert |
| Montrose Bay High School, TAS | Breeanne Oxley | Jo Briggs and Samantha Crust |
| Montrose Bay High School, TAS | Julie Iles | Sharon Lacey, Selina Barrow and Samantha Crust |
| North Lakes State College, QLD | Michelle Rule | Alison Hobson |
| Northern Christian School, TAS | Andrea Bishop | Kerrie Prentice |
| OneSchool Global Maitland, NSW | Michelle Whiting | Timothy Brennan |
| Ormeau State School, QLD | Jodi Post | Emma Workman |
| Ormeau State School, QLD | Emma Newman | Erin Mallouk |
| Padua College Kedron, QLD | Sam Brewer | Andrea Murphy |
| Pymble Ladies' College, NSW | Terri Wilson | Lora Lim and Kate Brown |
| Queensland Children's Hospital School, QLD | Jane Jeffery | Emily McGregor |
| Queensland Pathways State College, QLD | Debbie Cartwright | Kylie Spann |
| Ramlegh Park Primary School, VIC | Meredith Azam | Bingshu Ma |
| Ravenswood School for Girls, NSW | Julie Kennan | Fiona Cooney |
| Richard Johnson Anglican School Marsden Park, NSW | Tammy Holder | Joey Green |
| Rocklea State School, QLD | Lynette Walker | Rebecca Graham |
| Seymour College, SA | Debbie Adams | Emily Rogers and Fran Bennett |
| St Columba Anglican School, NSW | Ashleigh Olsen | Brianna Lukes |
| St Edward's Primary School Tamworth, NSW | Kathryn Duffy | Belinda Barry-Cupples |
| St Gertrude's Catholic Primary School, Smithfield, NSW | Marianne Arthur | Sarah Kearney |
| St Lucy's School, NSW | Lynne Pinker | Elizabeth Webster |
| St Peter's Primary School, NSW | Tracey Boschetti | Elizabeth Hiett |
| Sunnybank Hills State School, QLD | Shelley Millar | Melissa Trembath |
| Tambellup Primary School, WA | Kathryn Collins | Sue Sheridan |
| Thornlands State School, QLD | Claire Malcolm | Aimee Michell and Susie Moreland |
| Trinity Grammar School, NSW | Cecelia Bertoia | Renee Culgan |
| Woodridge State High School, QLD | Karen Moller | Ann Hage and Dona Joy |
| Yass High School, NSW | Melissa Hansen | Melanie Meadley |
| Yorkeys Knob State School, QLD | Chantel Hole | Natalie Cook |
| Zeehan Primary School, TAS | Sharon Williams | Josh Dean and Ruth Mawer |

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