Award Results 2011

Association Awards 2011    

Go to a list of association award winners for 2011.

CEASA & Credit Union SA - Early Career Teacher Award 

NOMINEE: Glen Whiffen, Mathematics Association of South Australia (MASA),and  teacher at Pembroke School. Glen is a very good mathematician and an expert practitioner at all teaching levels. He has an excellent understanding of how students learn and this underpins his teaching. Strong relationships with both students and colleagues are the basis of his teaching and he is respected for his depth of knowledge, clear and precise pedagogy as well as his caring and concerned manner. Glen uses technology creatively and effectively and extends this practice outside his school, running sessions for other teachers. Glen is a delightful young man, modestly unaware of his knowledge and abilities and he is a worthy recipient of this award.

NOMINEE: Rebecca Nottle,  Japanese Language Teachers (JLTASA), and teacher at St Francis Catholic School, and the Dominican School, Semaphore. As an early career teacher, Rebecca has been heavily involved in the Japanese Language Teachers Association supporting and participating in many of the association’s events to promote Japanese language teaching and learning in South Australia. Rebecca constantly seeks to improve the learning programs for her students through attendance at hub-groups and Training and Development. She uses knowledge gained to create exciting learning programs that incorporate ICTs, Japanese authentic materials, SHIP strategies, and an exciting range of learning and assessment tasks. Intercultural learning is a large part of Rebecca's teaching program. Rebecca gives a lot of time, passion and commitment to her teaching and to the JLTASA.

WINNER: Jenni Lester, Australian Society for Music Education (ASME), and teacher at Peterborough High School Jenni teaches music at Peterborough High School and the results achieved by her students studying at year 11 and 12 under SACE are a testament to the high standard Jenni works towards for every one of her students. She works in ways with her students that stimulate interest, enthusiasm, and challenge based on high expectations. She plans her music programs to ensure every student is given the best chance to succeed.

She is a lead teacher for the Mid North Schools Educational Cluster (MNSEC) Music Showcases and runs a school-based showcase at the end of semester 1. This year it was a combined project between the music students and the SRC students in the Town Hall that was attended by 200 family, community and staff members.  The quality of the night was outstanding. Jenni is a very deserving high quality professional music teacher & inspirational leader of others, to be officially recognised by the Early Career Teacher Award.

CEASA & Credit Union SA - Innovative Association Award

NOMINEE: HEIA (Home Economics Institute of Australia): For its ability to educate, inform and act as an advocate to government, industry, and the community for families and households, so that individuals can make informed choices that will enhance their everyday living. As examples, they have aligned themselves with the Science Association in producing the Nutrition Study Guide and in teaching Nutrition, they have provided both mentoring sessions at UniSA to enable graduate and beginning teachers to learn first hand excellent teaching methodologies and classroom practices, delivered Food Choice workshops in both urban and rural areas using the latest ICT programmes and have been actively involved with UNISA and the Bachelor Of Education - Design and Technology/Home Economics, in holding ‘meet and greet’ sessions and inviting all graduates to become members of our Association.

NOMINEE: ACHPER (Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation):  ACHPER successfully coordinated the ACHPER International Conference in April 2011, attracting over 400 delegates. It has provided ongoing advocacy and lobbying for the inclusion of Health & PE in the Australian Curriculum, and other State based communications including a revamped website. It has achieved a successful 2011 review of Governance practices, ensuring strategic guidance for the organization. It has developed ongoing support for Early Career Teachers through the Early Career Teacher project- ‘Moving from Surviving to Thriving’ and the ongoing successful record of extremely successful 2011 Professional Learning activities. It led the successful development of Regional Early Childhood activities in regional SA in July 2011. And finally, it has worked on ongoing targeted links with Tertiary institutions, seeking to involve and invite students in association work and planning.

NOMINEE: EChO (Early Childhood Organisation):  The Early Childhood Organisation Inc is a group of educators whose focus is on the education and care of children aged from zero to eight years.  Operating for more than 20 years, EChO continues to offer high quality professional development aimed at further developing the status and future directions of Early Childhood education.  These educators are also active advocates in promoting progressive pedagogy in the rapidly changing landscape of Early Childhood Education in South Australia. Over the past two years EChO has been committed to extending their reach beyond 4 conferences a year to include twilight sessions, country conferences and sponsoring international speakers to share outstanding practice.  They are committed to continuing and expanding these directions in 2012 and beyond.

NOMINEE: ACEL (Australian Council for Educational Leaders): The Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL) is Australia’s peak educational professional organisation with branches in each state and territory in Australia. The current ACEL (SA) focus has been on strategies to support and maintain membership, develop leadership succession initiatives, emerging leaders programs, developing regional activities and actively engaging retired members, to meet their professional learning needs and utilise their considerable skills and expertise, particularly when connected to their emerging leaders programs, and give state and national awards. ACEL works cooperatively with ACE in the provision of an annual breakfast for educators around a strategic topic of interest to all education sectors. ACEL (SA) believes that working cooperatively across associations is critical as, more often than not, the associations share common issues or interests. Their membership of CEASA is important to them, as they are the strategic body that facilitates and supports the connections between the associations, leading to better outcomes for the profession, students and families in South Australia. 

NOMINEE: ASME (Australian Society for Music Education): The Australian Society for Music Education has been in South Australia for almost 50 years.  With a membership base of approximately 120 Primary and Secondary classroom music educators, ASME SA play an important role in supporting teachers through professional development workshops, conferences and the development of teaching support material as well as.  In 2011, ASME SA initiated and coordinated a major conference for all Professional Music Education Associations involved in School Education throughout South Australia.  Such an event had not taken place since the late 1980’s.  The Music Educators in Schools Conference was a significant milestone and success, attracting over 200 teachers from Government and Independent Schools from across the State and featuring international and National presenters and workshops. With thanks to the support provided by a CEASA grant, ten regional educators were also able to attend. Since 2007, ASME SA has been actively involved in administering the National Awards for Excellence in School Music Education.

WINNER: PMA (Primary Maths Association) Lisa Jane O’Connor, president. For their innovative approach to achieving excellence in professional learning as demonstrated by:

• The establishment of a multi-modal professional learning programme that includes a consultancy service, a pro-active learning programme and a responsive learning programme which in 2011 has provided more than 220 sessions for more than 5000 participants.
• The implementation of learning services for new markets including educators from preschool to middle years, parents and governing councils, leaders and students
• Their collaborative work with ECD resulting in a unique partnership to implement a statewide professional learning strategy for all primary teachers in mathematics
• Their early initiative and continued leadership in the implementation of the Australian Curriculum through their efforts to negotiate early access to the materials for professional learning purposes so that SA educators and leaders could get a head start with the curriculum

CEASA & Credit Union SA - Teacher Supporting Teachers Award

NOMINEE: Candy Gray, English as a Second Language Educators (ESLE), and teacher at Henley High School. Candy is a teacher who supports teachers in many ways. Candy has supported ESL teachers through the membership portfolio of the ESL Educators committee. At her school, Candy has collaborated with teachers to develop strategies and resources so that mainstream teachers can support ESL students. Candy is also a strong advocate for the importance of trained ESL professionals supporting teachers in schools. She has been a regular presenter at professional learning at workshops and conferences, and contributes to professional publications. Candy also works as a university lecturer teaching pre-service and practising ESL teachers, based on her research and experience.

NOMINEE: Andrew  Spencer, Mathematics Association of South Australia (MASA), and teacher at St Michaels College.  Andrew has an outstanding professional approach to his teaching of Mathematics Year 8 – 12.  He has committed himself to identifying and responding to the mathematical needs of students seeking trades or other employment in their final years of schooling. He has an extensive understanding of how Mathematics is used in the workplace and furthers this knowledge with research and consultation. Andrew uses diverse networks to inform his teaching and planning. He has made strong links with Industry Groups, the TAFE sector, Group Training Organisations, employers, career advisors and teachers in other schools. Andrew often deals with disinterested learners but through his enthusiasm and encouragement, students see the relevance of the mathematics they learn, feeling they are on a genuine pathway to the workplace; making Andrew a truly worthy nominee for this award.

NOMINEE: Gerald Wright, Agriculture Teachers Association of South Australia (ATASA) and teacher at Nurioopta High School. Gerald, a member of the Agricultural Teachers Association of South Australia (ATASA), was honoured by ATASA in May this year for his 30 years of exemplary service to Agricultural teaching and the association.  During his time at Yorketown Area School, Smithfield Plains, Eudunda Area School, Kapunda High School and Nuriootpa High School Gerald has helped a number of teachers and student teachers to develop their craft through mentorship, practical ideas and the promotion of the benefits of ATASA membership.  His involvement in ATASA has included a number of years on the Executive committee which provides excellent training and development opportunities in the form of biennial state and national conferences, training and development days and other upskilling opportunities for teachers.

NOMINEE: Martin Downing, South Australian Exchange Teachers League (SAETL) .  Martin has been a member of the South Australian Exchange Teachers League since 1993, providing key personal and professional support to participants in exchange programs. Martin is a highly skilled Secondary teacher, and a champion of the cause of his association. He has been a president for the past 4 years, providing information sessions for those wishing to take up an overseas post, and welcoming exchangees from other countries. Testament to his work, are the ongoing overseas connections that have blossomed under his leadership, the strong relationship with DECS International Education Services, as well as exchange leagues interstate and overseas. Martin enthusiastically gives his own time for others. A worldwide network of teachers and language assistants have benefited from Martin’s dedication and commitment.

NOMINEE: Jenny Jin, Chinese Language Teachers Association of South Australia (CLTASA) and teacher at St Aloysius College.  Jenny has been a member of her association since arriving in Australia in 1999. She has worked as president and committee member, making active contributions through running many workshops, conferences and research projects. She has been an advocate for leading strategies in high quality professional learning and a valued mentor of young teachers – within her school and across schools . She has produced exciting, innovative education resources to accompany films which have supported teachers of SACE in South Australia. Through funding from the Minister, CEASA has been able to support Jenny & CLTASA in producing teacher support materials. The response from these materials has been so positive that a second book was demanded by teachers. Jenny is a highly respected, expert in her field who has consistently supported her fellow teachers of Chinese and is proudly nominated by her association.

NOMINEE: Dr Helen Payne, Music Teachers Association of South Australia (MTASA).  Dr Helen Payne has served several terms on the Council of The Music Teachers Association including many years as Vice-President. Helen is a strong advocate for membership her association and has actively promoted teacher professional development and the maintaining of high professional and teaching standards. Dr Payne has made an outstanding contribution to studio music teachers and to the broader teaching profession. She has been an example to others by pursuing excellence in her own teaching practice and through being actively involved in preparing professional development opportunities for teachers.

WINNER: Catherine Emmerson, Japanese Language Teachers Association (JLTASA), and teacher at Hallett Cove School. This award is made to Catherine Emmerson for her contribution to the profession and in recognition of her outstanding service and dedication to students, teachers and the Japanese Language Teachers Association of South Australia.

Catherine is a highly effective teacher and leader who through her variety of roles including teacher of Japanese, LOTE coordinator, International Programs Manager, District Language Leader and Assistant Principal has always looked for opportunities to publically acknowledge, promote and encourage others to access the support of the association, be involved with Professional Learning, share ideas and take the opportunity to meet like-minded, motivated teachers of Japanese. Catherine joined the JLTASA straight out of university and soon became the Vice President and later the Co-President. Even while on parenting leave Catherine has remained an active committee member as she is passionate about giving time to a professional association to support teachers to provide an engaging, up-to-date, relevant and interesting learning environment for our students. Over the years she has sourced, maintained and motivated committee members making them feel valued, supported and encouraged to find their best way to support the team and share their innovative concepts.

Catherine has enhanced the lives of many students, parents and teachers through her organisation, planning and support of many trips to Japan and hosting exchange programs where hundreds of families have had the opportunity to become true global citizens, an invaluable understanding for our students’ futures. She has motivated her students to become teachers themselves supporting them with the process, their university assignments and even as a referee for a past student who has successfully gained her first Japanese teaching job and has been inspired to join the committee next year. Students of Catherine who have not undertaken a direct career in Japanese proudly share their incidental use of Japanese language and culture learnt in her classroom in their jobs, travels and studies in the years since leaving school.

Over the years Catherine has facilitated a range of professional development including middle and senior school motivational learning activities and ideas, how to manage, arrange and set up school trips to Japan and sister schools, supporting new teachers to Stage 2 Japanese and how to establish feeder school connections and programs to support student transition. In 2008 she extended the boundaries of this project sharing the creation of the Passport program to support staff and students within the district, as well as adapt it to languages other than Japanese.

Catherine has also been the key manager of the JLTASA Annual Conference that provides professional development opportunities to staff from all sectors of schooling including government, Catholic, Independent, metropolitan and country, from primary through to secondary. She has been both the organiser and facilitator at this event taking on planning, finances, catering, bookings including sourcing teachers and educators from within the state, interstate and from Japan to accommodate the needs of the teachers. This year Catherine also planned and managed the first Annual Year 9 Japanese Quiz Day, a very successful event for over 60 secondary students and their teachers. The aim of the event was to encourage student to continue to study Japanese in the senior years through arranging an engaging, fun, Japanese event. The feedback has been extremely positive and prompted the arrangement of more secondary events with the same focus. More over this event has brought together secondary teachers with a common goal and encouraged those who have not played a role on the committee or within the association to share their skills and abilities and be active members of the association.

We honour Catherine this evening for her continuous high-level professional commitment to teaching, JLTASA and the broader professional community, and a most worthy recipient of the award. We have pleasure in awarding her the CEASA/Credit Union ‘Teacher Supporting Teachers’ Award for 2011.