The Australian Awards for Outstanding Teaching and School Leadership have been held with the Federal Minister for School Education Peter Garrett presenting awards to five national winners.

 

“These awards recognise outstanding teachers and principals who demonstrate innovative teaching practices and make a significant contribution to the education of young Australians,” Mr Garrett said.

 

Certificates were presented to 39 state finalists, from which the Minister’s Award and four national winners were selected in the following categories:

 

  • Australian Primary Teacher of the Year: Jo Sherrin, Bradshaw Primary School, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
  • Australian Secondary Teacher of the Year: David Henderson, Rossmoyne Senior High School, Rossmoyne, Western Australia
  • Australian Primary Principal of the Year: Lee Musumeci, Challis Early Childhood Education Centre, Armadale, Western Australia
  • Australian Secondary Principal of the Year: David Hamlett, Taroona High School, Taroona, Tasmania
  • Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching or Leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education:Graham Blackley, Bairnsdale Secondary College, Bairnsdale, Victoria

 

Mr Garrett said the national winners of each category will receive a professional learning scholarship to work with recognised education experts and practitioners which can be undertaken within Australia or overseas.

 

“Quality teaching is the single most important in-school contributor to student achievement, and I congratulate the five winners, all of whom have shown incredible leadership in teaching,” Mr Garrett said.