Public Education Awards

Some of the ACT’s leading teachers and support staff were honoured for their outstanding contributions to public education at the 2011 Public Education Awards on Friday 27 May 2011.

The awards, held at the CIT, marked the end of Public Education Week celebrations and acknowledge the effort and dedication of teachers working in the public education system to ensure all students learn, thrive and are equipped with the skills to lead fulfilling lives.

The Awards this year see a partnership between the ACT Education and Training Directorate, the Australian Education Union and the Canberra Institute of Technology.

Dr Jim Watterston, Director General of the Education and Training Directorate said that the awards are a testament to the quality of education and training in ACT public schools.

“Teachers, principals and support staff working in public education make an indelible and positive difference to the lives of students. It is most fitting that their contributions are recognised,” Dr Watterston said.

2011 is CIT’s first year of involvement in the program and Chief Executive Adrian Marron said he was delighted that CIT is a partner in recognising educational excellence.

“Vocational training is an essential part of providing a skilled workforce for a modern society, and these awards reinforce our staff’s contribution to the ACT and region,” he said.

Ms Penny Gilmour, Secretary AEU ACT Branch said it was important to acknowledge teachers and others who support our public education system. Ms Gilmour said,

“Quality public education and training relies on the skills, experience and dedication of a wide range of people – all have an important role to play in promoting a strong public education system.”

Recipients of the 2011 Public Education Awards are:

Primary Principal of the Year

Ms Liz Wallace -  Isabella Plains Early Childhood School
For her vision, passion and commitment to the early childhood model of education that has established Isabella Plains Early Childhood School as a thriving, vibrant and happy environment for students and their families.

Secondary Principal of the Year

Ms Beth Mitchell – Dickson College
For being a visionary and inspirational leader who provides outstanding instructional leadership and embodies the Dickson College values of excellence, opportunity and community.

Primary Teacher of the Year

Ms Glynis Steward – Florey Primary
For her expertise and passion in inspiring students, colleagues and parents to learn and achieve, and for being ‘more than you expect in one teacher’.

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Ms Caitlin Hanby – Connect10 Northern, at UC Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra
For changing the lives of students and inspiring her fellow teachers by being the driving force behind the outstanding success of the Connect10 Northern program.

School Hero

Ms Natalie Roberts – Amaroo School
For her achievements in making Amaroo School a place where students want to come to school and where they and their families enjoy themselves, feel successful, and are proud to belong.

Outstanding education support

Ms Kaye Browning – Kaleen Primary
For inspiring students to believe in themselves, for her expertise in supporting teachers,
and for her enthusiastic contributions to the Kaleen Primary School community.

Outstanding leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Mr Lyle Swan – Telopea Park and other schools
For inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve academic success and embrace their cultural identity, inspiring parents to engage with their child’s education and the school community, and being a role model to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education staff.

Outstanding new educator

Ms Arilia King – Amaroo School
For her achievements in early childhood education, her inclusive and collaborative approach to student learning and for being an outstanding role model

Australian Education Union Public Education Award

Mr Tom Greenwell (Dickson College)
For his commitment to public education through establishing Clio, a highly successful online history journal for students, and being active in forming Funding Real Equity in Education (FREE), a group of Australian teachers, parents and citizens who lobby for a fair deal for public education.

Public Vocational Education and Training Teacher Award 

Mrs Melissa Dinn
For her inspirational work as a mentor and teacher at CIT’s Centre for Health, Community and Wellbeing. As a mentor and work colleague Melissa inspires others through her day-to-day work. Her passionate and engaging approach to teaching and learning embodies the finest qualities of public education.

Public Vocational Education and Training Education Support Award

Ms Amy Holland
For her consistent professionalism and exceptional customer service. Her mastery of technology and patient, calm demeanour has seen her as instrumental in enabling staff and students to use eLearning to maximum effect.

The 2011 Public Education Awards are proudly supported by