SA’s best teachers: 2022 South Australian Public Education Awards winners

The state’s best public teachers have been revealed for 2022 – and one might not know what to do with her $10,000 in prize money.

A dog has won a state public education award for her “committed to inspiring the state’s children and young people”.

Working as part of Wirreanda Secondary School’s WAVE facility dog program, Iris, a black labrador, has trotted away with $10,000 to spend on professional learning or resources for their school community.

Iris and the program was the winner of the Site-based Support Award.

Selected from a strong field of finalists, 10 winners across 10 categories were awarded last night at the 11th annual South Australian Public Education Award ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Mandy and Paul Sherman from Wirreanda Secondary College with the school’s support dog Iris. Picture Supplied

This year, Grant Small from Grange Primary School walked away with the Leader of the Year Award, Tamara Dobozy from Pipalyatjara Anangu School with Early Years Teacher of the Year Award and Ashleigh Calleja from Gordon Education Centre winning the Inclusive Teacher (disability) of the Year Award.

Many other educators were acknowledged at the festivities.

“These awards give us an opportunity to highlight the value of public education and the passion our people bring to their roles,” Education Minister, Blair Boyer said.

“Teachers and educators play a critical role in our state and are positively changing the lives of children and young people, which is why it’s important they are recognised for their significant contributions,” he said.

Two finalists from each category also received $2,000 to undertake professional learning or buy resources for their school community.

2022 South Australian Public Education Awards winners

Leader of the Year Award

Grant Small, Grange Primary School

Early Years Teacher of the Year Award

Tamara Dobozy, Pipalyatjara Anangu School

Credit Union Primary Teacher of the Year Award

Rosie Connelly, Playford Primary School

Lumination Secondary Teacher of the Year Award

Trudy Surman, Para Hills High School

Inclusive Teacher (disability) of the Year Award

Ashleigh Calleja, Gordon Education Centre

University of South Australia Team Teaching Award

Kaurna Plains School Leaders, Kaurna Plains School

Site-based Support Award

Facility Dog Program – WAVE, Wirreanda Secondary School

System Support Award

Supporting world leading digital teaching and learning in the country, ICT Services &

Digital Delivery

Community Engagement Award

Learning Together Communities, Family Learning – Enfield Primary

Aunty Josie Agius Award

Ngarrindjeri language program, Meningie Area School