Australia’s Best Teachers: Breaking through barriers to provide educational opportunities for all young South Australians

Meet the South Australians teacher who has devoted her teaching life to helping those who need it the most.

Teachers often do extraordinary things to benefit our children’s future and for Solomontown Kindergarten teacher Mykayla Demarco, that is by no means an understatement.

One of this year’s nominees in Australia’s Best Teacher campaign, Ms Demarco has devoted her teaching life to help those who need it the most, endeavouring to support children with additional needs or complex communication needs have equal opportunities to access a kindergarten program.

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Ms Demarco’s Inclusive Preschool Program has been a beacon of light at the centre inspiring not only parents but co-workers alike.

Other educators have seen first hand Ms Demarco’s ability to communicate and engage with children, even finding a way to break through in tougher instances such as non-verbal children.

Solomontown Kindergarten teacher Mykayla Demarco teacher with students Aubree and Jaycen. Picture: Russell Millard

“My job is essentially around differentiating the mainstream curriculum to make sure it’s

suitable for the children’s needs and where they are at with their learning,” she says.

Most parents and educators alike would understand this is not an easy job by any stretch but Ms Demarcos determination for inclusivity makes her work so much more rewarding.

“I love it,” she says. “It has its challenges because every single child is different but that’s what makes it so much fun for me ... getting to understand these differences and breaking through.”

At the core of the centre’s education is indigenous education. Delivering this message in an innovative approach, Ms Demarco introduced the Acknowledgement of Country through song and the integration of Aboriginal art.

This resulted in extremely positive outcomes for children at the centre, particularly those with complex communication needs.

“Some children may be non-verbal or oral language is not their first means of communication,” she explains.

Solomontown Kindergarten teacher Mykayla Demarco teacher with student Ayda. Picture: Russell Millard

“We tweaked our Acknowledgement of Country to use different strategies and communication devices we could implement. We really noticed that we were connecting with song, so we started singing it with some key word sign and before we knew it, we were seeing non-verbal children start singing. It was an amazing moment.”

It’s not hard to understand why Ms Demarco has been nominated. She exudes a kindness and passion that ensures the future generation of our children are given every opportunity.

But, even in a celebration of her efforts, she credits those who work alongside her.

“I wouldn’t be talking to you today without the support that I’ve had from Solomontown

kindy and the staff there,” she says.

“I’m just really grateful to be able to work with such great people and be part of a

fantastic community.”

Follow our Australia’s Best Teachers advocacy series, in partnership with Officeworks, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Education Perfect and BigAss Fans, via this link.