Australia’s Best Teachers: Tasmanian teachers Phillip Wallace and Courtney Hardy nominated for their fun approach

Tasmanian teachers Phillip Wallace and Courtney Hardy have become masters at finding the fun in tasks often deemed arduous.

Teachers Phillip Wallace and Courtney Hardy may not deliver their lessons while singing, dancing and floating under umbrellas but they both have something notable in common with Mary Poppins.

Both teachers from Andrews Creek Primary School in Wesley Vale are masters at finding the fun in tasks often deemed arduous.

The teachers were nominated in News Corp’s Best Teachers series by sisters Amelia and Sophia Stansbie for their ability to get the best from students through positive reinforcement.

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“Mr Wallace makes learning fun by telling jokes and pushing people in a friendly way to be their best,” Amelia said.

“When I came to Mr Wallace in Grade 5 I was scared and never had been encouraged to do the best I can do.

“Mr Wallace introduced to me a new way to learn. And it worked. I’ve improved, and now I come to school much happier than before.”

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In his 32nd year of teaching, Mr Wallace said it was “humbling” yet affirming to be recognised for doing what he loves.

Sisters Sophie (left) and Amelia Stansbie nominated teachers Courtney Hardy and Phillip Wallace from Andrews Creek Primary School in Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

“The reason I teach is I love to be able to make a difference and more importantly, a positive difference to someone,” he said.

“There are many great educators out there that probably do a far better job than I do that don’t get the recognition.

“So to be recognised is very humbling, but it’s also rewarding and it makes me feel that what I’m doing is making a positive impact on children’s lives and the students I care about

“I want my students to be the best they can be then when they reach a standard, I want them to try and achieve higher.

“I want them to embrace life, be successful, I want them to be as successful and happy as possible.

“And if I can have some small impact on that, then I’ve done my job.”

Ms Hardy was nominated by Sophia for her ability to engage the students in fun-filled learning.

Sophia said she was “the best teacher ever” and while “some people are negative” about the work they do, “when Mrs Hardy explains she makes it fun”.

For Ms Hardy, teaching runs in her blood.

“My dad’s a teacher, my sister’s a teacher, my brother’s a teacher, my mum’s a teacher’s aide, and my husband is an assistant principal, so from a young age, teaching truly is all I wanted to do,” she said.

After teaching for 16 years, Ms Hardy said: “It’s an honour to know that I’ve made an impact in a child’s school life, and that’s what makes the job worthwhile.

“Just being part of that special moment when children learn a new skill for the first time or understand a concept, that’s what makes the job work worthwhile for me.”

Acting principal Paula McGlade said their school community was “thrilled” to have two teachers recognised for outstanding contributions to education.

“It is evident from the nominations that our students are inspired by Mrs Hardy and Mr Wallace who are able to bring passion and fun to the classroom,” she said.

“If you asked me what their greatest teaching attribute is I would have to say ‘dedication’. They are both excellent storytellers with great sense of humours who make every student in their class feel valued and significant.

“Our students are motivated to achieve their goals because of the connections they have made with these wonderful teachers.

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Originally published as Australia’s Best Teachers: Tasmanian teachers Phillip Wallace and Courtney Hardy nominated for their fun approach