SA’s best teacher for 2022 | VOTING CLOSED

They’ve been there to support your kids during a tough year, and now we’re recognising the great work of SA’s top teachers. VOTING IS NOW CLOSED.

After another trying year under parents and students’ belts, we can’t help but give a shout out to those putting in the hard yards all year round – teachers.

From coming in on their weekends to staying late, they are often the unsung heroes of our early life.

We asked who South Australia’s best teachers were and you answered with hundreds of nominations flooding in, so we’ve narrowed it down to the top 20 contenders from across the state.

Now it’s your chance to vote and help us crown SA’s very best educator from kindergarten through to high school.

After sifting through hundreds of comments on our nominations call out post, we can now reveal the top 20 finalists.

TOP FIVE LEADING THE RACE

Penny Day, Robe Primary School, Robe

Sarah Coventry, Fairview Park Primary School, Fairview Park

Melanie Welsh, Oakbank School, Oakbank

Alice Chigwidden, St Francis of Assisi School, Newton

Tania Willsdon, Our Lady of Hope Catholic School, Greenwith

SA’S TOP 20 TEACHERS AS NOMINATED BY YOU

Melanie Welsh, Oakbank School, Oakbank

“The school is very very lucky to have such a dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable teacher to nurture our kids and to bring amazing opportunities to the school. This woman deserves more than a thank you. She should be recognised for her commitment to developing strong, resilient, adaptable children and adolescents.”

Kiya Norris, Pinnacle College, Elizabeth

“She is the best Reception Teacher. I don’t know another teacher who goes above and beyond like Miss Norris.”

Tania Willsdon, Our Lady of Hope Catholic School, Greenwith

“Best teacher ever. My son absolutely adored her had her for reception.”

Alice Chigwidden, St Francis of Assisi School, Newton

“A truly professional, dedicated, passionate, caring, patient and humble teacher who has the touched the lives of so many young people.”

Sarah Coventry, Fairview Park Primary School, Fairview Park

“She works tirelessly for her students, putting herself through courses to better her ability to teach.”

Nicole Clark, Lefevre Peninsula Primary School, Birkenhead

“An amazing teacher. Incredibly caring and supportive for our ten year old, helping to build her confidence and many other things we love about her.”

Robyn Van Hoof, The Heights School, Modbury Heights

“An incredible teacher, she’s been my teacher for homegroup since year 8 and is currently my science teacher as well. she’s such a compassionate and loving teacher who goes above and beyond so her students achieve their goals.”

Sarah Robinson, Hampstead Primary School, Greenacres

“Her communication with parents is absolutely outstanding. She had a step in and teach my nieces class. You wouldn’t have even noticed that she hadn’t been there all year.”

Penny Day, Robe Primary School, Robe

“The students of Robe are extremely lucky as all the teachers are amazing. ️Penny goes above and beyond for her students and it shows in the children and their love of learning.”

Katie Harvey, Tea Tree Gully Primary School, Tea Tree Gully

“My son has come along way this year because of her, she is an amazing teacher. Her commitment & communication with parents is outstanding!”

Annette Zuanic, Lefevre Peninsula Primary School, Birkenhead

“Annette has been absolutely amazing this year, my son Marley, has had a rough start to the year, Marley has spent most of the year in hospital, Annette checked on Marley lots of times, organised the class to give him a big present to use in hospital. Most importantly Marley absolutely loves going to school everyday!”

Romana Millemaci, Emmaus Catholic School, Woodcroft

“She is the most caring and loving teacher you could have. Both my ASD children thrived and have gone above and beyond with her guidance. I’m so thankful for her. We will definitely miss her when we leave our school!”

Stevie-Anne Smith, Emmaus Catholic School, Woodcroft

“A kind hearted teacher that cares for all students.”

Brooke Spark, Mannum Community College, Mannum

“She taught my Hannah since child care, then kindy, then her tutor then her yr 1 teacher, cannot speak more highly of Brooke. Brooke works as a year 1 teacher at Mannum Community College, Hannah absolutely loves Brooke. Best teacher by far.”

Ellen Ivens, Old Noarlunga Primary School, Old Noarlunga

“She is such a bright, kind, caring and engaging teacher. All the students and teachers adore her and she keeps the children engaged and excited about learning. She takes the time to make each child feel special and gets to know them as individuals. She encourages them and makes all the children so happy.”

Ashlee, Adelaide North Special School, Munno Para

“It’s my sons first year of school and I was so hesitant about sending him off to school and to try put my trust into someone else to take as much care as I do and Miss Ashlee has made it an amazing, calm and welcoming year for both me and my son, I always receive pics of him with his work or whatever they may do so I know he’s so happy and actually enjoys his day! He absolutely adores her!”

Emma Kate, Tailem Bend Kindergarten, Tailem Bend

“Not only has she been an incredible support to my girl with making her transition and year a joy/breeze, but she’s also become a beautiful friend that my family is grateful for! You’re a whole load of rainbow sparkles.”

Alicia Waters, Hawthorndene Primary, Hawthorndene

“LEGEND.”

Jonathon Lewis, Riverbanks College, Angle Vale

“He has gone above and beyond and is well sort after because of his abilities, capabilities, kind caring nature and management of his children. He gets results from my little man and is interested in helping support him during transition time.”

Tracey Sandford, Gawler Region

“Tracey Sandford made a huge impact on our lives when our son entered Reception. Having our first ever baby go off to school and being very nervous with lots of tears, from us. It was made easier with how welcoming she is and how she made a connection with each student and understanding who they are and how they learn. Our son advanced in leaps and bounds and had an amazing connection. Still to this day she wishes all her grown up students the best in life. He is in year 7 now and still remembers how fun and interactive her teaching was.”

Jodie O’Donnell, Investigator College, Victor Harbor

“Passionate and caring, but most importantly genuinely wants to understand each students interests, strengths and uniqueness in order to support their learning. She is every students No1 supporter.”

Katie Bennett, Blake’s Crossing Christian College, Blakeview

“She’s very hard working and she makes sure her students get their work done, and she’s always there if they need help. All her students are great full for her hard work!”