WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY 2011 - TEACHERS MATTER
Last Friday 28 October, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day. The Victorian Institute of Teaching presented awards to ten Victorian teachers who were nominated as part of the theme “Teachers matter.”
Students, principals, parents and other community members were invited to nominate a teacher who truly matters to their students, colleagues or community.
A panel comprising members of the Institute Council selected ten winners, and each will receive a certificate of recognition and an iPad, plus professional development opportunities for iPad usage.
Here are the ten teachers that were recognised as part of World Teachers’ Day:
VINCENT BRANIGAN – FCJ College Benalla
Vincent is a History/Drama teacher with a special interest in assisting the school’s VCAL program, taking students to Melbourne to work at soup vans and other volunteering, co-ordinating performing arts presentation nights, and nominations of students for awards and scholarships to further their education. In his spare time he is President of the local St Vincent de Paul Society and has been described as ‘unstoppable’.
IAN JONES – Kangaroo Ground Primary School
Ian is a highly dedicated, respected teacher with experience working at the Stephanie Alexander School and a passion for gardening which has led him to set up the school’s kitchen garden, attracting the whole school into growing, selling and trying new foods. His nominations mention some of his wider influence: ‘He explains to the year 6 students how their learning fits in with the real world... He has students running Assembly who would never have dreamed of Public Speaking.’
IAN MAUD – St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Warragul
Affectionately known as "Maudy", Ian teaches Science and Biology, but is also heavily involved in co-curricular aspects of school life and across schools. In particular he is known for his work with the students in the designing, building and racing of the school’s Human Powered Vehicle and the Robocup Junior project. In the words of a nominator: ‘It is amazing to see the time and energy that Maudy puts into these programs, and the positive influence it has on a range of students’.
WOLFGANG MASCHEK – Collingwood College
For many years Wolfgang has been an inspiration not only to students and parents but to student teachers. He has a rare ability to teach student teachers to become confident, proficient and, above all honest members of the profession. His work at the school has encompassed a wide range of achievements, including the development of Performing Arts to enhance the school’s LOTE program, supporting the Outdoor program to better enhance the curriculum, and working to integrate the school’s Steiner curriculum, helping 5 or 6 other schools in that area with transition.
ANNIE TSANGARIDIS – Caroline Springs College Lakeview Campus
Relatively new to the teaching profession, Annie has made a huge impression in a short time with her hard work, commitment and a reputation for inspiring students. An Environmental Science teacher, she masterminded the fund raising and construction of a new garden for the school and continues to find ways to connect the work of the school with the betterment of the community.
JEANETTE JENNINGS – Carey Baptist Grammar School Donvale
Well known in the community as an artist in her own right, Jeanette takes every opportunity to get the students involved in projects that have a positive impact on the community. She puts students’ work on display in various community recreation areas and exhibitions, and brings an artistic perspective to all work, linking creativity with all subjects. Jeanette is not just teaching art – she equips children with creative thinking.
ANNE MAREE WIGHT – Whitefriars College Donvale
Anne Maree is the epitome of dedication. A highly accomplished teacher across a range of subjects who has helped her students achieve outstanding results in English Language VCE, she received a host of nominations that echoed a similar theme: ‘She does those extra, voluntary things and takes so much pride in our achievements. She is an unbelievably great teacher and I will be forever fortunate to have been taught by her’.
MICHELLE HARKOM – Gisborne Primary School
Michelle is unassuming yet well known in the school community for her exceptional teaching skills. Her contributions include establishing a working vegetable garden with the students, sourcing numerous grants to support programs and individual students, leading a whole school approach to teaching mathematics, providing free out of hours tutoring for her students and always helping at out of hours events.
ADAM HARDCASTLE – Portland North Primary School
Adam has very successfully led the development of a school Choir known as the Cockatoo Valley Song Group. This group, now existing of primary and secondary students, entertains in the local community, the school, at Elderly Citizens venues, special community events and celebrations. The choir has also performed at the Governor's residence in 2011 as part of the Australia Day celebrations and he has also conducted a road tour to central Australia to join with indigenous communities to perform together.
SCOTT ALTERATOR – Bendigo Senior Secondary College
Described as a deep thinker about teaching and learning, Scott taught Philosophy but now leads the VCAL area. A leader of staff, widely read and knowledgeable, Scott runs the ‘chalk and talk’ website with another staff member, seeking to continually challenge and assist fellow staff members in their day to day practice. His nominator described Scott as possessing ‘a huge depth of insight, respect, enthusiasm, and kindness.’
Inquiries: Damian Cowell, Victorian Institute of Teaching, 8601 5889.