Top Territory teacher receives national educators excellence award

A “remarkable” remote Territory teacher who regularly sleeps in a swag on the classroom floor has been recognised as one of Australia’s most outstanding educators. Read the details.

NEiTA Foundation chairperson Catherine O’Sullivan, Melanie Cole and Yalari Victorian Regional Advisory Council chairperson Graeme Chipp (Left to right). Picture: Supplied

A Territory teacher who regularly sleeps in a swag on the classroom floor has been recognised as one of Australia’s most outstanding educators.

Melanie Cole, the learning support coordinator at West Arnhem Land’s Nawarddeken Academy, won the Regional and Remote Teachers’ Award at this year’s National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA).

Ms Cole’s experience as a remote teacher is markedly different to that of her urban and regional colleagues.

“Living and working out bush is like nothing else I’ve experienced,” Ms Cole said.

“One of our schools has traditional building structures called ‘Bala Bala’, which means the classrooms have no walls and use a tarp for shade.

“I often sleep in a swag on the classroom floor when I head out bush, but that’s all part of the adventure.”

Students from Nawarddeken Academy in a ‘bala bala’. Picture: Supplied

Ms Cole was recognised for her collaborative approach to remote education which saw the local community as partners in students’ learning journey.

“We meet the needs of our children in a way that values and celebrates their culture,” Ms Cole said.

“We prioritise a bi-cultural curriculum and build collaborative relationships with our families and the community.

“One of the ways we do this is through ‘learning yarns’, which are essentially bush-style parent-teacher interviews.

“Our teachers engage in meaningful two-way yarns with families about student’s strengths and interests, as well as their cultural knowledge and skills.”

Ms Cole’s role involves more than just education — she also supports students with disability.

“A doctor and a nurse fly into the community once a month and this is often the only access to healthcare,” Ms Cole said.

“I’ve formed connections with paediatricians, audiologists and occupational therapists to better support our students and teachers.

“During the dry season, we drive our students up to two hours each way in the school troopy for paediatric appointments.

“This effort has allowed neurodivergent students to access support which has profoundly transformed their ability to learn in the classroom.”

NEiTA Foundation board member Catherine O’Sullivan commended Ms Cole for her achievement.

“Melanie is a dedicated, compassionate, and transformative force in education,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“As a remarkable teacher, Melanie is influencing the trajectory of future generations and leaving an enduring legacy on the lives of countless students.”

Originally published as Top Territory teacher receives national educators excellence award