South Australia’s best teacher of 2023 revealed: Bernadette Basile from Rosary School in Prospect

For this Adelaide primary school teacher, helping to raise the next generation is a privilege – but she was shocked to learn she had been honoured for her efforts in the classroom.

It takes a village to raise a child and for South Australia’s best teacher helping children grow into young adults is a privilege – even if they do accidentally call her “mum” sometimes.

Bernadette Basile always knew teaching was her calling and she has grown to love it even more over her 23 year career.

The Rosary School Prospect teacher was shocked to be named SA’s top teacher – an honour decided by public vote.

Ms Basile said the job goes well beyond teaching her Year 4 students maths and English.

“It’s more than just educating them, it’s everything – you become their teacher, their friend and mentor, everything,” Ms Basile said.

Primary school teacher Bernadette Basile at Rosary School in Prospect has been named South Australia’s best teacher. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“At some stages you get called mum because they’re so used to being with you that it accidentally slips out of their mouth. We are helping raise these kids.”

Ms Basile said it was a privilege to build long-lasting connections with students – a feat made possible by creating a “positive and supportive learning environment” for everyone in the classroom to grow, including herself.

“I get that sense of purpose from making a difference in their lives,” she said.

“We’ve got the privilege of being able to help these students develop the necessary skills and knowledge and mindset in today’s society that will help them navigate challenges for the 21st century.

“At the same time we’re both are learning, they learn from me and I actually learn a lot from them … intellectually, socially, and emotionally.”

She says the biggest challenge of the job is letting her students go as they move up the year levels.

And that will be even more difficult in 2024 as Ms Basile takes on Year 6 classroom teaching and watches her students graduate to high school.

“At the end of the year, honestly there’s nothing harder than seeing them walking out that door for the last time,” she said.

SA’S TOP FIVE TEACHERS

1. Bernadette Basile, Rosary School, Prospect

2. Chloe Adams, Wallaroo Mines Primary School

3. Aimee Eberhard, Reynella East College

4. Bec Impala, Gawler & District College

5. Brendan Hartley, Berri Regional Secondary College