VOTE NOW: Tasmania’s Favourite Teacher

Parents and students have put forward their A-plus educators as we reveal who made the short list for Tasmania’s Favourite Teacher. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE IN OUR POLL >>

Readers have nominated their favourite teacher for the Mercury’s latest poll: Tassie’s Favourite Teacher.

THEY’RE responsible for helping to shape the minds and futures of our little ones, and Tasmania sure has some amazing teachers at our public and private schools.

We put the call out this week to find Tasmania’s best teacher, with nominations from parents and students putting forward their A-plus educators.

VOTE IN THE POLL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Here’s 16 teachers who made the shortlist and why they were nominated:

‘Mrs D’ Amie Dawkins — Andrews Creek Primary

Marika Jane Templar nominated Andrews Creek Primary kinder teacher Mrs D.

“I know she is the best kindergarten teacher because my daughter who is in her class wakes up every morning happy and smiling ready to go to school to see Mrs D,” she said.

Linda Douglas at St Mary’s College

Mrs Douglas was nominated by a number of parents, including Anne Lacy.

“Even now, four years later both sons recall Mrs Douglas often and state that she is the best teacher and a beautiful friend,” Ms Lacy said.

“Linda has such a caring nature that ensures she connects with each and every child/family. She always goes above and beyond when it comes to learning and opportunities for growth.”

Geoff Williams also nominated Mrs Douglas.

“She is such a wonderful and caring teacher,” Mr Williams said.

“The children just love her and miss her during the holidays. Our granddaughter can’t wait to get back to school to see Mrs Douglas!”

Kids students school education generic Townsville

Bridget Taylor, St Mary’s College

Jennifer Bowden nominated Mrs Taylor saying “She is a great role model for the children, is nurturing, proactive and patient. She encourages the children’s individual interests. She advocates strongly for positive social relationships and teaches the children skills in this area. She is welcoming and nothing is too much trouble for her. All while having two little kids of her own.”

Isabella Kumpulainen, Class 5 teacher at Tarremah Steiner School

“Bel is the most magnificent teacher in every way,” parent Penny Finlay said in her nomination.

“She has been with our children since Class 1 and so understands and appreciates the strength and challenges of every student in her class.

“She inspires the children with her love of learning and especially in maths, science and drawing — her blackboard drawings for each main lesson are truly a work of art.

“I know that my twins, who are both in her class, will look back on their early childhood and primary education as an experience that set them up for life long learning”.

Josje Ruth, Taroona Primary

Kaitie Barnett said Josje Ruth “without doubt goes above and beyond for her beautiful little class. She is kind and dedicated, making sure that all her little ones are enjoying the process of learning and having fun all at the same time. An absolutely beautiful person, inside and out.”

Jess Fulton, Lauderdale Primary School

“Now my daughter has never stayed any where or been away from us at all so kinder was a big step,” Rebecca Gwen Bruinger said.

“Jess and teachers aide Patty are like Stevie’s family but at school she clings to them like she does either mum. She goes above and beyond with nature play and learning. In 4 children Stevie my youngest none of there teachers would even been half as amazing as Jess.”

Belinda Harrington, South Hobart Primary kindergarten

“A lovely lady and teacher is loved by all the classes,” Elizabeth Anne Allie said.

Oliver Blazer, Caroline Corrigan and Karina Harper, Bagdad Primary School

Nicole Matthew Welch’s children put forward their favourite teachers for the Mercury’s poll.

“My two teachers (Ms Corrigan and Ms Harper) are so kind and they’re both amazing with lots of time for us, they always help and make us smile” — Chloe, aged 8.

“Mr Blazer is amazing, he is the best and understands and helps me, he is kind and will always be there for us” — Aiden, aged 10.

Nicole Pitt, St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School Smithton

“I have two children at the school and Nicki has always stood out to me,” Tess Moodie said.

“Her commitment to developing an inclusive space for children living with diversity is her greatest accolade. She is dedicated to motivating and empowering students not only to invest in their learning, but to be caring and kind human beings. The combination of these two, in my eyes, makes her deserving of this award.”

Koby Blizzard at Waimea Heights Primary School and Tash Cowles at Sandy Bay Infant School were nominated by Shauna-Lee Ward.

“Both outstanding educators, with genuine care and love for their students and their jobs.”

Damian Stolp from Elizabeth College

Lexi Muir said Mr Stolp “is the best teacher ever”. “He’s incredibly helpful with all his students and finds the best way to help and always caters to their needs. During quarantine he was the most legendary teacher ever, going beyond out of his way to help each student with both their learning at home and making sure their physical and mental health and wellbeing were in good condition. He always takes into consideration how each student would like to learn. Absolutely excellent art teacher.”

Ben McCulloch from St Brigids School in Wynard

Steve Onamission said it was Mr McCulloch “hands down”. “Passionate, empathetic, with an exhaustive knowledge of the very latest in teaching practice.”

Jo Bygrave from Montagu Bay Primary was also nominated for Tassie’s Best Teacher by Tegan Small.

Voting for the below poll closes at 9am Sunday, October 18.