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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.

Australia's Best Teacher

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:

Kindy teacher Kellie Clarke with students at St Canice's Primary School in Katoomba, NSW. Picture: Monique Harmer
Kindy teacher Kellie Clarke with students at St Canice's Primary School in Katoomba, NSW. Picture: Monique Harmer

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.’’

Chloe Barratt from Highland Reserve State School, Upper Coomera. Photo David Kelly
Chloe Barratt from Highland Reserve State School, Upper Coomera. Photo David Kelly

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.”

Teacher Afroza Sultana with students, Umu Bah 13 and Mustafa Mollagee 13 at Iqra College O'Halloran Hill. Pic Roy VanDerVegt
Teacher Afroza Sultana with students, Umu Bah 13 and Mustafa Mollagee 13 at Iqra College O'Halloran Hill. Pic Roy VanDerVegt

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.”

Imogen McKillop, teacher at St Peter's Primary School, East Bentleigh, VIC. Photo by: Josie Hayden
Imogen McKillop, teacher at St Peter's Primary School, East Bentleigh, VIC. Photo by: Josie Hayden

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 Panayiotopoulos – St Euphemia College School, Bankstown, NSW
Matthew Panayiotopoulos – St Euphemia College School, Bankstown, NSW

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, principal, St Mary's Star of the Sea, Hurstville
Rebecca Besly, principal, St Mary's Star of the Sea, Hurstville

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 Thummler Fox, Cabarita Mortlake Kindergarten, NSW

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
Caitlin Van Der Pluym, Knox Gardens

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 from Braemar College Woodend, VIC
Fiona Davies from Braemar College Woodend, VIC

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 from Trinity Lutheran College. He's a Year 5 teacher and ex footballer. With student Kayla Hansmeyer 10. Pics Adam Head
Corey Micari from Trinity Lutheran College. He's a Year 5 teacher and ex footballer. With student Kayla Hansmeyer 10. Pics Adam Head

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 from Stuartholme School is in the back row, left. Pictured with his colleagues.
Ben Webb from Stuartholme School is in the back row, left. Pictured with his colleagues.

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

Early Learning teacher Kasey Paterson with Matilda Dyke 4, Zephie Hurley-Jones 4, and Cooper Murphy 4 at Sparrow Early Learning Centre at Tewantin. Picture Lachie Millard
Early Learning teacher Kasey Paterson with Matilda Dyke 4, Zephie Hurley-Jones 4, and Cooper Murphy 4 at Sparrow Early Learning Centre at Tewantin. Picture Lachie Millard

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

Australia’s Best Teachers: Sarah Truran says students need to know you care

Australia’s Best Teachers: Sabina Armstrong turns to Indigenous ways of teaching for mainstream inspiration

Learning maths ‘by rote’ is a thing of the past

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, SA
Matthew Summerton, Crafers Primary School, SA

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, SA
Darryle Phillips, Gleeson College, Golden Grove, SA

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

Teacher Jennifer Ness-Ferry with students Jasmine Henderson and Leah Stewart from St Francis de Sales College, Mount Barker, SA. Picture: Supplied
Teacher Jennifer Ness-Ferry with students Jasmine Henderson and Leah Stewart from St Francis de Sales College, Mount Barker, SA. Picture: Supplied

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

Principal Wendy House, Springbank Secondary College in Pasadena, with year 12 students, Eden Hamilton, 17, and Sam Ormsby. Picture Dean Martin
Principal Wendy House, Springbank Secondary College in Pasadena, with year 12 students, Eden Hamilton, 17, and Sam Ormsby. Picture Dean Martin

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. from St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Darwin
Kelli Coccetti. from St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Darwin

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

St Philip's College Acting Deputy Principal and Wellbeing director, Tammy Hawkins
St Philip's College Acting Deputy Principal and Wellbeing director, Tammy Hawkins

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 of Minyerri School in the NT
Michelle Bennett of Minyerri School in the NT

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, TAS
Caitlin Ferguson, Campbell Street Primary School, Hobart, TAS

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 and Phillip Wallace from Andrews Creek Primary School in Tasmania. Picture: Supplied
Courtney Hardy and Phillip Wallace from Andrews Creek Primary School in Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

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

Originally published as Australia’s Best Teachers: 50 of the country’s most inspiring educators

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