FINAL CHANCE TO VOTE: Who is the Territory’s favourite educator

IT’S the FINAL CHANCE to vote to recognise our incredible teachers for their hard work and dedication through the coronavirus pandemic. But BE QUICK if you want to vote for your favourite. This poll closes in a couple of hours at midday today

Happy little girl sitting in teacher's lap at preschool and reading a book while other children are playing.

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OUR educators are some of the most incredible heroes in the Territory. In a time of fear and uncertainty throughout the coronavirus pandemic, educators stepped up to ensure our children could learn while being safe.

It’s time we recognise these amazing individuals.

We thought getting you, our readers, to nominate your favourite educators might be a good way to celebrate them.

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The NT News put out a call to find the Territory’s favourite educator and was absolutely inundated with responses.

From Darwin to Katherine and Alice Springs, we received hundreds of comments nominating favourite educators, with many sharing how their children’s lives were bettered by these educators.

We’ve managed to narrow the search down to 30 finalists. Now, it’s up to you to decide who is Best of the Territory.

The below educators all received multiple nominations. We’ve included a comment from a parent or carer for each one.

Read through the comments and cast your vote for your favourite.

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George Mamouzellos – Larrakeyah Primary School

Nominated by Vangie Mostris

He is a caring and loving teacher that motivates each student to reach their full potential. He has the patience of a saint and he always goes above and beyond for his students and families. Any student would be blessed to have George as their teacher.

Melissa Hull – Farrar Early Learning Centre

Nominated by Danni Humphris

Melissa is a dedicated educator who has made a positive difference to the children she carers for. Melissa is loving, caring and always goes above and beyond for the children and their families. Melissa is a true inspiration and really is amazing! We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have Melissa working at the early learning centre that our children attend.

Demi Godenzi – Driver Primary School

Nominated by Kerrie Maree

She’s been away from home in Victoria, without friends & family. Took on a challenge & has really been challenged in so many ways. She is always trying to do the best for her kids & wont leave anyone behind. She is committed & hard working.

Sophie Liddle – Howard Springs Primary School

Nominated by Mel Keegan

Hands down best teacher!! She’s the mother hen to her students. Very caring, loving and supportive towards the kids. Always giving feedback as well and helping our children where it’s needed. Absolutely love her.

Valerie Makarounas – Leanyer Primary School

Nominated by Cat Durrington

She cares so much about all of her kids. Throughout the pandemic she was amazing at keeping the students informed, she began preparing to go online at the end of term one with videos on class dojo so the kids would be prepared. She has helped my daughter through a really rough year and I do not know how it will be for her next year without her. She is a treasure and gem.

Shane McDowell – Tivendale School

Nominated by Liz McDowell

He is an asset to the Centre and is a strong, caring male role model and mentor for the young people.

Michelle Maddox – The Essington International School Darwin

Nominated by Jasmine Cendo

She is patient, caring, thoughtful and develops self-confidence in her students.

Jane Whetters – Haileybury Rendall School

Nominated by Crystal Moore

Haileybury Rendall School

Amazing, Caring and Supportive Teacher who gives her all to ensure her students are exceeding!!

Janette Cook – Bradshaw Primary School

Nominated by Hayden N Kylie Foley

She loves and cares for everyone and every student, goes about and beyond to make sure everyone is happy safe and is an inspiration and positive influence to all xxx

Kathleen Middleton – Darwin High School

Nominated by Michelle Auld

There are too many words to describe this incredible educator in any situation and just when you thought she couldn’t get any better she stepped up further during the pandemic. Educating teenagers can be challenging but it’s an extra talent to educate special needs teens. A few words that come to mind include intuitive, nurturing, involved, prepared, adaptable, experienced, aware, creative, flexible, giving, hard working, generous and fun.

Susan Bishop – Parap Primary School

Nominated by Belinda Jane Morris

Personality larger than life, isn’t even teacher to either of my kids this year but someone I really respect and so do my kids.

Page McMillan – Life Education NT

Nominated by Suzi Spedding

It’s time for Deb and Page to be recognised for their commitment to the health education delivery in tough conditions always with a smile and embracing what challenges are thrown their way!

Caraline Moody – YMCA Early Years Learning Centre Alice Springs

Nominated by Emily Bull

The most beautiful, loving, compassionate educator you can imagine. If my baby can’t be with me, there’s no one I’d rather her be with!

Danni Mattiazzo – Larrakeyah Primary School

Nominated by Nicole Tsirbas

My son loves learning thanks to her amazing way of making any lesson fun and engaging.

Samantha Yendall – Larapinta Early Learning Centre

Nominated by Tahlia O’Cass

Sam truly loves caring and educating children, always full of such clever ideas for Centre and has a very creative mind. Sam is truly caring even making hospital visits after a full day of working to give cuddles to our little boy who was unwell in hospital for 10days. She truly is passionate about education and each child holds a special place to her.

Deb Martin – Life Education NT

Nominated by Luke Reynolds

There are no lengths she will not travel to improve the health and wellbeing of young Territorians.

Debbie Sully – St Francis of Assisi Early Learning Centre

Nominated by Fiona Jayde

Jeanette Jackson – Gillen Primary School

Nominated by Sarreena Delaforce

Jeanette is the best teacher aide. She always has a smile for everyone she sees. She goes above and beyond for the students she works with everyday to make their lessons not only educational but fun and engaging.

Charmaine Marshall – Scallywags Child Care Centre

Nominated by Charlene Harry

To be fair, all the staff are amazing but Charmaine always seems to stand out more. Makes the kids feel special and makes the parents feel welcome!

Suzi Spedding – Life Education NT

Nominated by Fiona Kerwin

Suzi my vote is also for you too along with these amazing educators.

Leeann Hayes – One Tree Defence Childcare Unit

Nominated by Sarah Jane Lambert

Anyone who knows her would agree that she is the best!! Always spending her extra time making sure the children have new environments to play and learn with. She is always going above and beyond for the children. Has been a dedicated worker at durack for over 10 years.

Clare Long – Moil Primary School

Nominated by Jane Long

Clare always goes over and above for her students and her school.

Mary Searle – Stuart Park Preschool

Nominated by Masami Morshige

She is a teacher who can accept everything! I always felt her passion for education and children. Her smile is brimming with kindness and thoughtfulness that she can’t hide. My son came to like school because of her being there! I’m so pleased that she is his teacher.

Daniel Nicholson – Goodstart Early Learning

Nominated by Tameka Meehan

Full of energy and enthusiasm and has a genuine love of his job.

Rachelle Balfour – St Joesphs Catholic College

Nominated by Chrissy Zelley

She has worked tirelessly through the coronavirus pandemic to provide a service to families when she has been so under the pump supporting families with minimal staff on a budget that was less than half. She’s a legend and a champion!

Alysia Bader – Katherine School of the Air

Nominated by Kym McManus

Absolutely remarkable woman.

Rezel Novenairo – Zuccoli Early Learners

Nominated by Vinesha Jamookeeah

She is just amazing as what she does and goes above and beyond. She always welcome the children with a very big smile every morning every. My daughter adores her and Zuccoli Early Learners is very lucky to have an educator like her.

Matt Duffy – Casuarina Senior College

Nominated by Andrew Venes

Matt is a great educator and is respected highly by his colleagues and students. He sees great results within his classroom. He is loved by students and staff for his great work ethic and easy going persona. He was a great mentor teacher to myself.

Kylie Lovegrove – Wanguri Primary School

Nominated by Jan Fanning

Caring, kind, innovative, takes on the difficult tasks, passionate about her vocation and understands and advocates for the individual needs of ALL children.

Kyria Gotts – Girraween Primary School

Nominated by Belinda Raabe

Goes above and beyond to help her students out. Has helped my 2 boys who both have special needs and always looking for ways to help them both.

Brooke Caig – Palmerston College

Nominated by Catherine Fairlie

Brooke Caig for the awesome work she does.

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