NSW Quality Teaching Awards

13 November 2009

Thirty-eight of the most outstanding teachers in NSW have been recognised for their contribution to teaching at a special ceremony in Sydney today at Government House.

Teachers from a wide range of teaching areas were presented with a 2009 Quality Teaching Award for their commitment to excellence and student achievement.

Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth, said the Quality Teaching Award was presented to government and non-government teachers working in early childhood education, schools, TAFEs, and universities.

"Every day there are thousands of dedicated teachers working in schools where they are making a positive difference to the lives of their students," Ms Firth said.

"The recipients of this award are the most exceptional and inspire their students to achieve their best.

"Teachers are the cornerstone of a great education system and it's inspiring to see these individuals recognised by their communities, who obviously place great value on their abilities.

"I congratulate all of these outstanding teachers for their continued great work with students and thank them on their accomplishments for which they, their families, their schools and communities should be so proud."

The recipients were selected against criteria developed by the Australian College of Educators according to a three stage process that included:

  • three references;
  • a professional portfolio
  • in class observation and interviews with students, parents and teaching colleagues.

Recipients will receive a Lenovo computer as part of their award.

Ms Firth said the NSW Government has invested in a range of innovative measures that recognise and encourage quality teaching.

"That's why we're investing $273 million over four years to further improve teaching standards and retain both new and experienced teachers," Ms Firth said.

"The results of these investments can be seen in the outstanding teachers recognised today."

2009 Award Recipients

Early Childhood

  • Mrs Jean Scott, Edgeworth Heights Public School

Primary

  • Ms Sarah Bryce, St Ives North Public School
  • Mrs Angela Churchland, Gordon East Public School
  • Mrs Katrin Cornell, Turramurra Public School
  • Mrs Shirlee-Ann Curtis, Crawford Public School
  • Mrs Elizabeth Hamilton, St Ives North Public School
  • Mrs Rosalyn Thomas, Crawford Public School
  • Mrs Cheryl Turi, St Luke's Grammar School
  • Mrs Beverley Wetzler, Balgowlah North Public School
  • Ms Peita Wicht, The Pittwater House Schools
  • Miss Melinda Williams, Turramurra Public School

Secondary 

  • Mrs Leonie Clarke, Marist Sisters College Woolwich
  • Ms Debra Clerke, Callaghan College, Waratah Technology Campus
  • Mrs Adla Coure, Domremy Catholic College
  • Mr Leigh Crangle, Northmead High School
  • Mr Michael Farrell, Abbotsleigh
  • Mrs Maxine Johnson, Gosford High School
  • Mrs Donna Lane, Dunedoo Central School
  • Mrs Trudy Lawson, Callaghan College, Jesmond Senior Campus
  • Mrs Robyn Lynch, Callaghan College, Wallsend Campus
  • Mr John Martin, Bethlehem College Ashfield
  • Mrs Ruth Miller, Arden Anglican School
  • Mr Marcus Powell, Marist Sisters College Woolwich
  • Mrs Lisa Strazzeri, Patrician Brothers College Fairfield
  • Miss Barbara Sulikowski, Warners Bay High School
  • Mr Phillip Webster, Killarney Heights High School
  • Mrs Kathy West, St Joseph's Catholic College

TAFE

  • Ms Ronda Collins, Northern Sydney Institute
  • Ms Vivian Evans, New England Institute
  • Ms Gillian Gray, Northern Sydney Institute
  • Ms Kaye Higgins, Northern Sydney Institute
  • Mr David Lovell, South Western Sydney Institute
  • Ms Sandra Lucock, Western Sydney Institute
  • Ms Merrianne Sinclair, Northern Sydney Institute

University 

  • Dr Frances Miley, University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy
  • Dr Jennifer Schneider, University of Newcastle
  • Ms Teresa Stone, University of Newcastle
  • Ms Yolanda Surjan, University of Newcastle

 2009 Award Recipients