2026 Award Winners are Published!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

These exceptional education support professionals exemplify the powerful impact teacher aides have on students, teachers, and the wider school community. Their dedication to fostering student learning and wellbeing, commitment to ongoing professional growth, and outstanding collaboration with colleagues set a benchmark for excellence in education support.

2026 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year

Kimberley Nolan, Student Support Assistant at OneSchool Global Toowoomba Campus, was recognised for her exceptional contribution to students with complex and diverse learning needs. Supporting one of the most demanding student caseloads across OneSchool Global’s Queensland campuses, Kimberley has achieved remarkable outcomes by helping students overcome barriers to learning and recognise their own capabilities.

Her impact is reflected in significant improvements in Individual Education Plan outcomes, and the progress of students who have moved from intensive one-on-one assistance towards greater participation in mainstream learning. Across literacy, numeracy, behaviour regulation and social development, Kimberley focuses on equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to take greater ownership of their learning. Her work has enabled students to make significant academic progress, participate more confidently alongside their peers and develop greater independence that extends beyond the classroom.

2026 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year

Allegra School’s Learning Support Team was recognised for their exceptional contribution to student learning, wellbeing and belonging within a special assistance school environment. Supporting young people who may have experienced trauma, anxiety, school refusal or disengagement from mainstream education, the team places strong relationships and emotional safety at the heart of learning.

Their impact is evident across the school, from daily reading interventions and personalised classroom adjustments to wellbeing programs, vocational learning and life-skills opportunities. Their targeted literacy support has contributed to substantial growth in students’ reading ability, while their trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practices help students rebuild confidence and reconnect with education. Through ongoing professional learning and close collaboration with teachers, the team creates consistent, inclusive environments where students feel valued, supported and capable of success.

2026 Excellence Award for Early Career Teacher Aide winner

Noah Gafa was recognised for his significant contribution to student learning, wellbeing and engagement at Mungindi Central School. A trusted role model and mentor, Noah builds strong relationships with students, particularly those experiencing complex behavioural and wellbeing challenges, helping them feel safe, regulated and ready to re-engage with learning.

His impact extends well beyond the classroom through his co-leadership of the school’s boys’ hands-on learning and leadership group, morning wellbeing activities, sporting opportunities and mentoring of students requiring additional support. Noah also works closely with colleagues, families and the wider community to provide consistent, culturally responsive support. Through his calm approach, initiative and genuine commitment to young people, he helps students build confidence, resilience, responsibility and a strong sense of belonging at school.

Thank you to all schools that submitted a nomination in the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.

This year we have once again received nominations for exceptional teacher aides and teacher aide teams, working in State, Catholic and Independent Schools across Australia, who are making a positive difference to student learning and wellbeing.