Educators honoured at the 2023 Teaching in the Territory Excellence Awards
As teachers across the Territory go above and beyond for their students, nine outstanding educators have been recognised at this year’s Teaching in the Territory awards.
Education
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When Pam Dillon travels to schools in the Barkly, she is often providing the only option for sport in remote communities.
“No pools or rec centres, no weekend matches – but they love playing sports, and they’re so good at it,” she said.
After a decade working in the region, Dillon, as she’s affectionately known, has built up a thriving inter-school athletics program. Just next week, for example, more than 250 people will converge on Tennant Creek for their “biggest ever” swimming carnival.
“We’ve even got kids representing the NT in national championships – remote kids that would never have that opportunity,” she said.
“It builds the self esteem for a lot of them, their communities are very proud of them.”
It’s a lot of work, but Dillon’s not slowing down: “I love my job,” she said.
Dillon is just one of the Territory’s educators recognised on Friday night at the annual Teaching in the Territory Excellence Awards.
The awards, hosted by the government each World Teachers’ Day, honours the dedicated teachers, principals, leaders and support staff providing high calibre education services in the NT.
Education Minister Eva Lawler said: “We are extremely fortunate to have an outstanding cohort of passionate and motivated educators who are committed to inspiring young people to learn and reach their full potential.”
“Despite our huge geography our education team do an amazing job covering the whole of the Territory, and I would personally like to thank each and every one of you for the monumental role you play in shaping a student’s life,” she said.
Callum Brown was awarded Secondary Educator of the Year for his work at Jilkminggan School, 150km southeast of Katherine.
Originally from Melbourne, Mr Brown took a graduate teaching role in the Territory in 2018 and says its something he would recommend to everyone.
“I’d love to see more people and teachers come up and experience what I’ve experienced,” he said.
As one of only six teachers at the school, Mr Brown’s role often extends past the walls of the classroom, helping students get things like a driver’s license, tax file number and bank account.
“Any remote teacher wears those different hats, it’s what it’s all about when you’re working up here.”
He said it was rewarding to help Jilkminggan’s students have the option to complete their NT Certificate in Education Training without having to go to boarding school elsewhere.
“Everyone’s proud they can do it in Jilk.”
All the 2023 Teaching in the Territory Excellence Awards winners
Principal of the Year: Carol Putica, Ludmilla Primary School
Leader in Education: Pam Dillon, NT School of Sport Education
Education Support Person of the Year: Tenniel Wark, Centralian Middle School
Secondary Educator of the Year: Callum Brown, Jilkminggan School
Primary Educator of the Year: Annabella Assmus, Casuarina Street Primary School
Vocational Education Trainer of the Year: Jade Francis, Maningrida College
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educator of the Year: Bruce Steen, Sadadeen Primary School
Early Childhood Educator of the Year: Sheena Thorne, Shepherdson College
Inclusion Educator of the Year: Bridgette Carrigan, Jabiru Area School
See the pictures from across the NT
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