Having the education of children and young people at the heart of everything they do, the long list of finalists for the 2021 Public Education Awards showcases the diversity and strength of the South Australian workforce at its best.
Spread across a range of categories, the 33 finalists are all high performing professionals in their field, driving South Australia towards its goal of becoming one of the best education systems in the world.
Their achievements range from creating specialised programs supporting localised student needs to successfully implementing and leading key measures for system-wide improvement.
"Everyone in our state's public education system is working together as a connected team towards one goal, for children and young people in South Australia to be successful," said Minister for Education John Gardner.
"This year's finalists are leading the way as South Australia continues to improve public education outcomes across the state.
"I would like to congratulate this year's finalists on being selected from such a strong field of applicants and I look forward to celebrating excellence in our Public Education system with them at the awards ceremony in November."
Finalists and winners will be awarded grants to undertake professional learning or activities. Winners of each category receive $10,000 and 2 finalists for each category receive $2,000.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in early November.
The 2021 Public Education Awards finalists are:
Early Years Leader of the Year Award
- Margie Colton, Bertram Hawker Kindergarten
- Sally Wuttke, Nuriootpa Community Children's Centre
- Jane Moore, Aldinga Beach Children's Centre
Primary Leader of the Year Award
- Dina Zunis, North Ingle School
- Gael Little, East Torrens Primary School
- Julie Murphy, Elizabeth Vale Primary School
Secondary Leader of the Year Award
- Nikola Haskell, The Grove Education Centre
- Ruth Mussger, Murray Bridge High School
- Heather Makris, Birdwood High School
Early Years Teacher of the Year Award
- Coralie Dixon, Barmera Kindergarten
- Ashley Gregory, Flinders Children's Centre and Tji Tji Wiltja Preschool
- Deborah Walsh, Paradise Kindergarten
Credit Union SA Primary Teacher of the Year Award
- Nicole Chataway, Yalata Anangu School
- Jessie Plisko, Willsden Primary School
- Liana McCurry, Ardtornish Primary School
Secondary Teacher of the Year Award
- Sue Pratt, Balaklava High School
- Faith Brohier, Brighton Secondary School
- Jodi Long, Renmark High School
Inclusive Teacher of the Year (Disability) Award
- Jessica Daniel, Balaklava High School
- Kirsten Mooney, Mount Barker Primary
Ali McLarty, Adelaide Botanic High School
University of South Australia Team Teaching Award
- Entrepreneurial Teaching Team, Grant High School
- Enhanced Learning Hub, Balaklava High School
- Centre of Deaf Education Team, Avenues College
Site-based Support Award
- Jo Hann, Hackham West Children's Centre
- Justin Borland, John Pirie Secondary School
- Tom Putnam, Paralowie R-12 School
System Support Award
- Alex Semmens, Curriculum and Learning
- Rachel Murphy, People and Culture
- Renee Malbut-McHale, Curriculum and Learning
Community Engagement Award
- Sarah Mack, Port Elliot Kindergarten
- Karena Wilson, Crystal Brook Kindergarten
- Celeste Raymond, Melaleuca Park Primary School
