Australia’s best teachers: SA educators among the nation’s top performers

Our students are in good hands, with Australia’s finest teachers variously described in their “report cards” as inspiring, empowering, supportive and sensitive. See some of SA’s best.

In classrooms and school yards across Australia they inspire our children to learn, dream and stay connected. But many teachers continue to feel undervalued and unsupported.

New research from this year’s Australia’s Best Teachers series found three in four educators love being an educator and feels it’s a fulfilling career.

Yet only three in 10 teachers feel they are valued, supported and positively portrayed in society.

RELATED: How AI is helping teachers in our schools

The research, titled The Forces Shaping Education and conducted by News Corp Australia’s Growth Intelligence Centre, also found the vast majority of parents believe the right educator can truly shape a child’s future, with passionate, skilled teachers seen as the single biggest influence on learning outcomes and success.

Compass Catholic Community learning facilitator Roshanna Bull with students. Picture: Russell Millard.

Recognising, celebrating and elevating the status of teachers has been the core purpose of our Australia’s Best Teachers series since it launched. Now in its third year, the series continues to profile the positive impact teachers have and illustrates why celebrating their work has a profound impact.

“Australia’s Best Teachers is an important and much-needed opportunity to showcase and celebrate the teachers who help our kids thrive now and into the future,” Officeworks managing director Sarah Hunter said.

“Congratulations to all those recognised this year and thank you to teachers across the country for the work you do every day.”

Vice chancellor and president of Griffith University in Queensland Professor Carolyn Evans said the series is playing a vital role in attracting and retaining teachers to the profession.

“The rest of us can play our part by making sure that the great teachers who are out there and who make such a difference in the lives of our children know how much we appreciate them,” Evans said.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S TOP TEACHERS

  

NICOLE UTTING

Long Street Primary School, Whyalla

Year 3/4 teacher Nicole Utting loves being an integral part of her students’ learning journeys. Last year, she was honoured with the Rowan Ramsey School Community Award for her unwavering commitment to the school choir. She was also Whyalla Show Schools Exhibit planner – both roles were additional responsibilities.

MITCH NEEB

Aldinga Payinthi College

Mitch Neeb. Image: Russell Millard

German and tourism teacher Mitch Neeb established the German program at Aldinga Payinthi College in 2022. He oversees the school’s annual Payinthifest event, a celebration of language and culture. Senior learners exchange emails with students in Germany, and also participated in the Unternehmen Deutsch or “Enterprise German” project, partnering with German businesses in SA.

EMMA HARKNESS

Bordertown Primary School

Filling the roles of wellbeing teacher and visual arts specialist teacher keeps Emma Harkness busy. Working in a small community, she has taught siblings from local families throughout the years, allowing her to become a part of their life story. She initiated an Intergenerational Art Trail that linked the school, preschool and local aged care facility and won a Council Community Event award.

ROSIE CONNELLY

Playford Primary School

Year 3 and autism inclusion teacher Rosie Connelly uses her “educational toolbox” to support neurodiverse and all students to unleash their academic potential. She was named SA Primary Teacher of the Year in 2022, won the Schools Plus Australia teaching award in 2023, became a Highly Accomplished Teacher in 2024, and was recently nominated for the Top 50 Global Varkey Teaching prize.

Mykayla Demarco is breaking through barriers to provide educational opportunities for young South Australians. Image/Russell Millard

KAREN BROMLEY

Kapunda High School

This innovative agricultural studies teacher has revolutionised the school’s agricultural program through engaging initiatives including the Tractor Driver Training and Pure Raw Honey Production programs, plus an alternative learning agricultural class for disengaged students. Her influence extends to presentations at conferences and collaborations with the Northern Agriculture Teachers Hub, and she has been recognised with awards for her engaging learning programs.

DANIELLE WEAVER

Ocean View College, Taperoo

Danielle Weaver is dedicated to transforming student engagement. Her implementation of the Zones of Regulation curriculum has reduced disruptive behaviours, improving classroom safety and learning. She initiated and successfully led the Mudlhangga Magic event, celebrating the school’s 21 per cent Aboriginal student population and fostering community engagement. She has collaborated with The Smith Family and Uniting SA to help students in need.

TYSON HERRAMAN

Craigmore High School

Tyson Herraman worked as a curriculum student support officer at Craigmore High School prior to graduating as a teacher. During this time, he built key skills with the Inclusive Education Team, while working with students with complex needs. After graduation, he progressed into the role of inclusive education teacher, providing specialist advice, reviewing assessment tasks and class rolls, and supporting staff to implement learner engagement strategies based on functional needs.

DANNY MARTIN

Port Pirie West Primary School

Danny Martin. Picture: Russell Millard

Danny Martin has had a profound impact on reconciliation and Aboriginal education at the school. Under his leadership, the Aboriginal Education Team has embedded reconciliation into the school’s culture, with all staff committing to cultural programs. Their work has improved literacy, numeracy and Aboriginal student engagement, with notable increases in attendance and family involvement.

LEIGHTON PEARCE

Barmera Primary School

Science and digi-tech teacher Leighton Pearce integrates technology into the curriculum to equip students with skills for the future. He engages with local scientists to learn about environmental issues and received funding to purchase equipment to improve students’ understanding of science and nature. The school was one of two in Australia involved in a turtles conservation program, and he was awarded a 2024 Citizen Science Award for Outstanding Achievement.

NATALIA BAJCIC

Woodville High School

Natalia Bajcic fosters authentic learning experiences through the Visual Arts curriculum by embedding meaningful connections with community, business, local government and primary schools. She led a collaborative mural project with local primary schools where her students ran art workshops. She creates opportunities for students to showcase their talents across South Australia, including organising the school’s annual SALA exhibition.

Click here to read all our Australia’s Best Teachers coverage

Australia’s Best Teachers is presented in partnership with Officeworks, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Education Perfect and Big Ass Fans.

Originally published as Australia’s best teachers: SA educators among the nation’s top performers