Australia’s Best Teachers: 50 of the country’s most inspiring educators
Australia is full of incredible teachers who ignite a passion for learning within our children. Here we celebrate 50 of the best as recognised by students, parents and colleagues.
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Australia is full of incredible teachers who ignite a passion for learning within our children. But as challenges on families and communities intensify, the importance of teaching within our social fabric has started to erode.
A recent study by Monash University found 70 per cent of teachers do not feel respected by the public. They are stressed, overworked and lack the recognition they deserve. News Corp Australia, launched a campaign in February to celebrate our educators and start shifting public perceptions.
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In partnership with ANZ, Teachers Mutual Bank, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Care For Kids, Griffith University and PwC, the Australia’s Best Teachers campaign has seen more than 900 teachers nominated by students, colleagues and parents across the country.
It is clear from the nominations that teaching isn’t just about getting great results, but the positive difference teachers make in a young person’s life. They care, they listen and they inspire.
Here we recognise 50 of those teachers:
NSW: Kellie Clarke
St Canice’s Primary School in Katoomba
In her more than 25 years working as a teacher, Kellie Clarke has not met a fellow
educator who entered the profession aiming to do a bad job.
“I’ve been teaching for a long time and while much has changed, what hasn’t is that the teachers around me … turn up every day with the very best of intentions
and with the welfare of the kids very much front and centre,” Ms Clarke, a kindy teacher at St Canice’s Primary School in Katoomba, said.
Ms Clarke, who was nominated as one of Australia’s Best Teachers, said teachers work hard “because they really, really care about the kids”.
“Teaching has been the one enduring love in my life and every year I feel so privileged that I get parents handing their most precious thing in the world over to me to nurture and to look after,” she said.
“I think sometimes the level of care and compassion that teachers have is not represented or
understood well by the general public.
“As humans, we don’t always get it right, but we’re trying really hard.”
For Ms Clarke, her philosophy is to ensure children feel safe, loved and valued so they can “learn and thrive”.
School principal Miriam Meaney said Ms Clarke had provided assistance to many children in need of additional support. “A number of children have come from a variety of different experiences, different backgrounds, and [Ms Clarke] has a great capacity to see
what a child needs and how to help that child to learn.’’
Queensland: Chloe Barratt of Highland
Reserve State School in Upper Coomera
Teaching Prep isn’t for the faint-hearted. After all, this is a child’s introduction to formal learning in a “big school”, which can be fraught with apprehension.
Yet, for Chloe Barratt of Highland Reserve State School in Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast, the opportunity to create positive experiences for these young students is where she excels.
“I ensure that I build positive relationships with each child in order to develop their sense of belonging, identity and trust,” she said.
Ms Barratt, who has been an Early Years teacher for the past five years, has spent the past three in Prep, (“this is where my passion lies”) and said it’s a privilege to be part of a child’s life in their formative years. “There is so much joy in watching children grasp a new concept or learn something new. This is especially evident when children learn to read and
write and a whole new world of opportunities opens for them. Knowing that you made an impact in teaching them that is very rewarding,” she said.
Ms Barratt said she was honoured that members of the school community have
taken the time to nominate her in the Australia’s Best Teachers campaign.
One of the nominations was made by Bowls World Champion and
Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Lynsey Clarke, whose daughter Kenzie
had her as a teacher two years ago, and the memory endures. She was also
nominated by Wendy Lim and Sarah Scotson, who says, “Miss Barratt … has a
special way of teaching her students.”
South Australia: Afroza Sultana
IQRA College in O’Halloran Hill
Being accountable for educating our future generation is a “tremendous responsibility” and one teacher Afroza Sultana takes very seriously.
The English and Literature teacher and high school co-ordinator at Adelaide’s IQRA College lives by the philosophy: “Be the change you want to see in the world”.
“I firmly believe that knowledge is a powerful tool for bringing about positive change, and as an educator, it is my role to help students recognise their potential and empower them to solve real-world problems,” Ms Sultana said.
Nominated as one of Australia’s Best Teachers for developing a “whole school approach” to learning, Ms Sultana said the recognition was an
incredible honour.
“At our school, we prioritise shared success, which entails collaborating as a team to implement effective strategies throughout the high school,” she said.
“As the high school co-ordinator, I led my team in developing strategies to enhance students’ academic performance and motivation.”
Encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and instilling a sense of purpose in students to be active community citizens is what Ms Afroza touts as her greatest love of teaching.
“Teaching is like convincing a child to make broccoli a part of their daily diet even if they don’t understand its importance,” she said. “Before offering the broccoli straight away, as teachers, we need to put in much more effort such as gaining their trust, convincing
students of its benefits, adapting the broccoli to their preferences,
continuously changing it to suit their individual needs, collaborating with
parents, and repeating the procedure until it is successful.”
Victoria: Imogen McKillop
St Peter’s Primary School in Bentleigh East
Foundation teachers are usually swept up in fairytales and fun facts but Imogen McKillop, of St Peter’s Primary School in Bentleigh East, had to protect her young charges when things took a sad turn.
“2021 was a very challenging year for me and my class,’’ McKillop says. “I lost my dear friend and teaching buddy, Ange D’Amelio. I was also coming to terms with the loss of my younger brother the previous year, dealing with the fallout of Covid and balancing being a parent of three young children. And then, I was trying to wear my teacher hat, too.”
McKillop says the young class faced the confronting loss of their co-teacher together, and although the aftermath was not without challenges, in the midst of it all “we did manage to have some fun and learn a thing or two”.
Mercifully, McKillop also had her family’s support to draw strength from.
“My father enjoyed a long, successful and rewarding teaching career so his influence, even subconsciously, probably drew me into the fold. The fact that three of my siblings also entered the vocation and continue to teach probably speaks strongly of our family values around the importance of education,” she said.
“Sharing classroom stories is commonplace around the family kitchen table; we understand the unique demands and pressures of teaching, as well as the rich personal rewards that come from making a difference in the lives of children.”
The complete 50 list of 50:
NSW
Kellie Clarke St Canice’s Primary School, Katoomba
Kellie’s class includes students from different countries and backgrounds, some who speak English as a second language. She is an amazing role model.
Nominated by Kylie Ranson
Renee Connaghan, Only About Children, Wahroonga
Renee has been an Early Childhood educator for 18 years starting as a parent at the campus where she is now director.
Nominated by Sarah Woodcock
Matthew Panayotopoulos, St Euphemia College, Bankstown
Matthew launched the Change Makers
Project – to build a library for a school in Lismore and India.
Nominated by Theony Nikas
Michelle Sproule, Soldiers Point Public School
Mrs Sproule gives everyone a chance, she listens to everyone’s ideas and doesn’t leave
anyone out. She is an amazing teacher.
Nominated by Eli Hart
Samantha Brimfield, Santa Sophia Catholic College, Gables
Sam creates a welcoming learning environment for both students and staff.
Nominated by Dianne Sabat
Andrew Krisenthal, Cambridge Park High School, Cambridge Park
Our son is autistic and struggles with social and emotional regulation. Mr Krisenthal
has been nothing but supportive.
Nominated by Natalie J
Rebecca Besly, St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Hurstville
Rebecca is my son’s school principal. I nominate her because she works tirelessly
at school and from home, especially during the lockdown and post lockdown.
Nominated by Yulia Santoso
Owen Telfer, Cammeraygal High School, Crows Nest
Fantastic Technologies teacher.
Nominated by Grant Byrne
Vince Tavernese, St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga
With his music department colleague Fiona Milkins, Mr Tavernese’s input and
support helped turn my son from disengaged at school to someone who is
involved, confident and has purpose.
Nominated by Justin Lees
Danielle Thummler Fox, Cabarita Mortlake Kindergarten, NSW
Danielle is one of a kind. She always gives 110 per cent, she has the most amazing
sense of humour, is able to relate to children in a way that most can only aspire
to. We appreciate her efforts and her massive heart.
Nominated by Amanda Symond
VICTORIA
Imogen McKillop, St Peter’s Primary School, East Bentleigh
Imogen job-shared with her best friend who passed away from brain cancer in the first month of term 1. Despite the heartache Imogen became the rock for the students and parents of that class.
Nominated by Helen Mai
Shaam Nundlall, Bellbridge Primary School, Hoppers Crossing
Mr Shaam concentrates his teaching around a child’s wellbeing and makes sure each child is heard and boosts their self esteem.
Nominated by Mila and Isla Bradley
Caitlin Van Der Pluym, Knox Gardens Primary School
Mrs Van Der Pluym is an inspiring teacher because she helped new students when they were scared. She helped other students when they needed help. She spreads smiles.
Nominated by Charlotte Warrington
Elizabeth Moore, Mercy College, Coburg
Ms Moore (my homeroom teacher) has made my Year 7 year amazing.
Nominated by students Sakhee Adhikari and Sienna Nancarrow
Ben Higgins, St Francis Xavier Box Hill
Ben has a hugely positive impact on every student he works with. He is committed to bringing out the best wellbeing and learning
outcomes for every student.
Nominated by Mary Jones
Fiona Davies, Braemar College, Woodend
Mrs Davies has helped me through the toughest of times, told me to reach for the stars and to never ever give up. She is amazing and when I grow up I want to be exactly like her.
Nominated by student Cindy McClennan
Cindy McLennan, Monterey Secondary College, Frankston North
Under Cindy McLennan’s leadership, the Accelerated Learning Programs at
Monterey Secondary College have helped students impacted by Covid-related learning loss. Nominated by Tom Cain
Ranvir Sarai, Sparkways Showgrounds Childcare & Early Learning Centre, Flemington
Ranvir is experienced and collaborative with strong experience of what drives
children, helping her to build strong relationships with them and their families.
Nominated by Caroline Henricks
Nick Wall, Genazzano FCJ College, Kew
Nick Wall installs energy, positivity and empowerment in the students, through the
innovative and inclusive co-curricular sports program.
Nominated by Jemima Jones
Tess Giles, Clyde Grammar School, Clyde North
Miss Giles’ enthusiasm creates an excellent
learning environment for the children and a trusting environment for school families.
Miss Giles demonstrates patience and kindness.
Nominated by Brendan Summers
QUEENSLAND
Corey Micari, Trinity Lutheran College, Ashmore
Mr Micari is a funny, kind and helpful teacher. He makes lots of funny jokes. He is hard working.
Nominated by his students
Terence Adair, Darling Heights State School, Toowoomba
Terry has been an inspiration to me as a beginning teacher. Every question I have,
he can answer in a calm and positive manner.
Nominated by Tim Adair
Anna Ludwig, Beenleigh State High School
Anna has driven a whole school approach to the relevance of 21st century skills.
Nominated by Donna Harvey
Chloe Barratt, Highland Reserve State School, Upper Coomera
Miss Barratt has made an incredible impact on our daughter through her genuine and caring teaching methods.
Nominated by Lynsey Clarke
Tex Lealiiee, Bellbird Park State Secondary College
He supports us students and encourages us. He helps us with any concerns or issues on any topic and in or out of class.
Nominated by Alyssa Fraser-Ward
Graeme Hughes, Griffith University Business Lab, Brisbane
His teaching has allowed me to develop my character and plot a path of where I want to go in life from where I’m currently at.
Nominated by Christopher Bonilla Cubias and other students
Brittany Hancock, Brisbane State High School, South Brisbane
Brittany is an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond to ensure her students reach their potential.
Nominated by Sheree Carr
Ben Webb, Stuartholme School, Toowong
Mr Webb has been the most inspirational teacher I have ever experienced!
Nominated by Elizabeth Burton
Nicky Theuerkauf, Kawungan State School, Hervey Bay
Nicky teaches the Early Childhood Development Program, an intervention
program for those 3-5 years with special needs.
Nominated by the ECDP Families
Julie Pike, Cairns West State School
Miss Pike is the most caring, loving, supportive teacher I have ever come across
in my 38 years. She goes above and beyond with students and parents.
Nominated by Julie Harrison
Kasey Paterson, Sparrow Early Learning, Tewantin
Kasey Paterson is an incredibly authentic, driven, and well-respected individual who
truly cares about her staff and families alike.
Nominated by colleague and parent
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SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Afroza Sultana, IQRA College, O’Halloran Hill
Afroza showed leadership skills and was appointed as the co-ordinator of high school since 2022. During this time, she managed to develop a whole school approach with her colleagues to shift the culture into learning culture.
Nominated by Hani Abul Khair
Matthew Summerton, Crafers Primary School
Matthew’s approach to teaching, especially STEM, provides students with real world
applications. His enthusiasm for teaching and learning is embraced by the students.
Nominated by Sophie Calvert-Smith
Jo Cocks, St Columba College School, Andrews Farm
Jodieann has taught at St Columba College for over 20 years. Her commitment to the
children in her care is a credit to the person that she is.
Nominated by Michael O’Dwyer
Darryle Phillips, Gleeson College, Golden Grove
Darryle is an exceptional educator and has the utmost care for the students he teaches.
He exudes positivity and the students that have the utmost respect for him.
Nominated by Sarah Fedele
Julie Murphy, Principal at Elizabeth Vale Primary School
The students are her number one priority and within a challenging dynamic she makes it seem easy when it would not be.
Nominated by Callum Jayne
Jennifer Ness-Ferry, St Francis De Sales College, Mount Barker
Mrs Ness-Ferry is all about relational connection and making her students feel safe at school. Nominated by Beck Bolton
Belinda McClure, Caritas College School Port Augusta
Goes above and beyond and is determined that every child will have an enriching learning experience regardless of abilities.
Nominated by Hayley Thiele
Kathy Best, Tatachilla Lutheran College teachers, McLaren Vale
Kathy is a wonderful practitioner with an amazing passion for physics.
Nominated by Stuart Parker
Wendy House, Springbank Secondary College, Pasadena
As principal she worked hard on saving Springbank when the government wanted to close it. Nominated by Lisa Johnson
Michele Sboro, Salisbury East High School
Ms Sboro is the most beautiful teacher in the Special Learning Classes. She treats all with the
utmost respect including my son.
Nominated by Kirstie Swindley
Northern Territory
Kelli Coccetti, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Darwin
Kelli is an amazing teacher who develops exceptional relationships with her students.
Nominated by Rosie Harrison
Tammy Hawkins, St Philip’s College, Alice Springs
Tammy spends long hours as not only as Director of Wellbeing but also a dedicated chemistry teacher.
Nominated by Paul Bailey
Madia Schatz, Sattler Christian College, Bees Creek
Madia goes above and beyond to design English curriculum which is stimulating
and engaging for her reluctant learners.
Nominated by Linda Broad
Michelle Bennett, Minyerri School
Michelle has been teaching in her local school for 22 years. Michelle is currently a
Senior Teacher and Educational Leader.
Nominated by Neil Gibson
Awhina Matthews, Gunbalanya community school
Awhina is a caring and passionate assistant principal. She daily walks the talk ensuring children are kind, safe and respectful.
Nominated by colleague Sue Trimble
TASMANIA
Caitlin Ferguson, Campbell Street Primary School, Hobart
Caitlin goes above and beyond with her very diverse kindergarten class to know each child, their family and their needs.
Nominated by Susan Jeffery
Brayden Morton, North West Christian School, Penguin
Brayden Morton is the principal and also a teacher there.
Nominated by Scott Allen
Courtney Hardy, Andrews Creek Primary School, Wesley Vale
I think Mrs Hardy is the best teacher because she makes learning fun. When Mrs
Hardy explains she makes it fun.
Nominated by Sophia Stansbie
Phillip Wallace, Andrews Creek Primary School, Wesley Vale
“I’m Nominating Mr Wallace because firstly he’s an AMAZING teacher. Mr Wallace makes learning fun by telling jokes and pushing people in a friendly way to be their best.
Nominated by Amelia Stansbie
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Originally published as Australia’s Best Teachers: 50 of the country’s most inspiring educators
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