Download Anne Kennedy Award 2018 Nomination Form
Nominations Close Wednesday 31st October
Please send the nomination form with a supporting statement to:
Email sec.pals@gmail.com
or post to PALS PO Box 325 Concord NSW 2137
In 2016 on the occasion of their 20thAnniversary The Professional Association for Learning Support Inc ( PALS) introduced an Award for Exemplary Practice to be known as the Anne Kennedy award after their founding President. In 2017 there was a very strong field of nominations revealing the complexities of the role in our schools. Teachers were nominated from all sectors and levels. Some teachers worked as a part of a Learning Support team whilst others were the only teacher in their role at their school.
The winner last year Sharyn Davis, the Learning and Support Teacher at Kirrawee High School.
Her Principal Mr Paul Owens commented on her ability to respond to levels of need within the school, using data as a starting point to design programs that meet specific needs. An example of this is a program Sharyn has introduced to meet the needs of those Year 9 students who at present will not meet the minimum standards for the HSC based on their NAPLAN results. Another aspect of the nomination was Sharyn’s ability to analyse processes and policies making reporting processes and practices relevant to the wide range of student abilities. The runners-up were Jenny Edwin from Doonside Technology High School and Suzanne Deadman from Cherrybrook Technology High School. In 2016 the Award was won by Sue Henderson from Bomaderry High School.
All nominations showed that the learning and support teacher has a diverse role not only teaching students with specific learning difficulties but having a vital role in the professional development of their colleagues. Some of the nominees were in promotions positions leading a learning support faculty whilst others worked with a Learning Team or the Welfare Team. Principals demonstrated in their nominations that they not only knew that their Learning and Support teachers were a valuable member of their staff but that they had a clear understanding of the complexities of the role and its demands. Nominators also emphasised that teachers not only had to work across curriculum areas but also with students, parents and other teachers on a daily basis.
The Anne Kennedy Award is one way we can acknowledge the work of exceptional teachers.
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