Two Warrilla High School teachers are among four from Illawarra honoured at the 2019 NSW Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence.
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Warilla duo Melanie Lever and Glen Smart were presented with the Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The same prestigious award was also presented to Scarborough Public School teacher Emma Hutchinson during Tuesday's annual awards, which showcase NSW public school students, teachers, staff and parents who have made major contributions to their school communities and serve as role models to their peers.
Ms Lever and Mr Smart have done that and more at Warilla High.
Ms Lever is "committed to improved student learning outcomes through the evaluation and analysis of data and the institution of programs on the basis of this data to drive a regime of school-wide continuous improvement".
Mr Smart is an "outstanding teacher, leader and school contributor". His work has led to a "cultural shift at Warilla High School which has seen substance and pragmatism given to a philosophy that espouses 'Excellence for All'."
The person who nominated Miss Hutchinson said she was an outstanding teacher with a strong focus on student wellbeing.
"I have never observed a teacher integrate curriculum outcomes in such an effective and big-picture way, while ensuring instruction is explicit and clear."
Meantime, Karin Harlor from Figtree High School was honoured with a Secretary's Award for Excellent Service.
The passionate educator was praised for initiating rich and challenging opportunities enabling all students to happily engage in Aboriginal cultural activities.
"Karin values, respects and forges positive relationships with indigenous students, whilst working hard to strengthen connections with the wider Aboriginal community.
"Under Karin's leadership there has been a raised profile of Aboriginal culture, especially seen through the marking of Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week."
"Upstanding parent" Erin Ovenbridge from Farmborough Road Public School was also recognised on Tuesday with a Public School Parent of the Year Award.
In all, 115 individuals and schools were honoured at the 2019 NSW Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence.
This included Ulladulla High School student Takesa Frank and teachers Benjamin Barry and Sarah Hunt.
The NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said the awards affirmed the high standards and dedication that underpinned the public school system.
Department of Education secretary Mark Scott added the awards celebrated excellence within the state's public education system by showcasing those who had made major contributions as role models to their peers, their schools and the wider education community.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
