Celebrating winners of 2024 PETAA Teacher and School Awards for Excellence in Primary English Teaching

EducationDaily

The Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA) has announced the winners of the Teacher and School Awards for Excellence in Primary English Teaching today at their 2024 national Leading with Literacy Conference – Reading: Learning, Meaning, Pleasure.

The PETAA is a national, not-for-profit professional association supporting a network of more than 40,000-member primary school educators in the teaching and learning of English and literacies across the curriculum. PETAA aims to provide teachers at all stages of their careers with the knowledge and resources to enable them to make informed decisions to support their students’ learning.

The winners

Teacher Award for Excellence in Primary English Teaching

Tahnee Rayward (The Nature School, Port Macquarie NSW) was awarded the Teacher Award for Excellence in Primary English Teaching, which recognises an outstanding primary educator in Australia.

“Tahnee is dedicated to upholding high standards in teaching and learning,” said the judges’ statement.

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“She consistently evaluates her practice and makes data-driven decisions to support each child’s unique needs, demonstrating a deep understanding of diverse learning needs.

“Not only is Tahnee an exceptional classroom teacher, but she is also the school’s Teacher Librarian, where she has cultivated a love for reading throughout the school and built an appreciation for the use of literature across all areas of the curriculum.”

School Award for Excellence in Primary English Teaching

Epping Views Primary School (Epping, VIC) was awarded the School Award for Excellence in Primary English Teaching, which awards a school whose practice clearly demonstrates innovation and excellence in teaching primary English.

“Epping Views Primary School demonstrates innovation and excellence in teaching primary English,” read the judges’ statement.

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“The school’s strong commitment to continuous learning and collaboration among staff amplifies their impact, fostering an environment of growth for both students and teachers.

“By using rubrics to guide both instruction and assessment, teachers create clear learning pathways, enabling students to understand expectations and track their progress. Evidence of significant student improvement further highlights the effectiveness of these strategies.”

The prizes

Tahnee Rayward received a $500 professional development prize package, which
includes:

  • A trophy and certificate
  • $300 credit for PETAA Professional Learning courses
  • All the texts featured in the PETAA Year of Texts year level of her choice.

Epping Views Primary School received a $1500 professional development prize package, which includes:

  • A trophy and certificate
  • $600 credit for PETAA Professional Learning courses
  • 10 copies each of A new literature companion for teachers
  • A new grammar companion for teachers to share with staff.

Dedication, innovation and excellence

“This year’s award recipients represent the dedication, innovation and excellence of the PETAA member community,” says PETAA CEO Megan Edwards.

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“Teachers and schools who leverage the resources, support and knowledge of professional associations in their planning and programming are better equipped to support all primary students in the critical subject area of English, and in literacy learning across the curriculum.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s winners.”

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