Hannah Starcevich, Laura Connolly and Melissa Hayes are three of four OLSOTS teachers nominated for the NEiTA. Photo: Nikki Bailey.
Educators at Our Lady Star of the Sea (OLSOTS) primary school have been acknowledged for their “exceptional” teaching as part of an Australian and New Zealand community-driven program.
Pre-primary teacher and literacy leader Laura Conolly, year one teacher Melissa Hayes, year four teacher Hannah Starcevich and year 5/6 teacher Erin Tyrrell received nominations for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA).
OLSOTS principal Luke Shaw said the nominees represented more than half the classroom teachers who were each at different stages of their teaching careers.
“As principal, I am so proud of the work all our teachers do every day to help our students grow,” Mr Shaw said.
“To have members of our community take the time to acknowledge and celebrate our teachers and the work they do is very special.”
NEiTA recognises educators who are “talented, committed, caring, innovating, passionate and dedicated” to their students.
Mr Shaw said the staff at OLSOTS were collaborative too and always had a child-first approach.
According to NEiTA, winners receive grants for professional development, prizes and endowments.
Parents, students and staff were eligible to nominate teachers.
Mr Shaw said the award highlighted some of the strengths in rural and regional education.
“One of our nominees, Laura Connolly, has been nominated for an award specifically for teachers in regional and remote areas,” he said.
“Laura’s role as literacy leader sees her work alongside all teachers, including Early Career Teachers, to assist them with the delivery of high-impact literacy instruction.
“Having supportive systems and structures in place and creating an environment in which teachers can shine, seek feedback and lead from where they stand is extremely important, particularly in regional and remote areas.”
Nominations closed on June 27 and the winners will be announced in November.
