| Nominating Association | Full Name |
| Association for Studies of Religion | Sandy Hollis |
| Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation | Hayley Dean |
| Australian Society for Music Education | Andrew Mifsud |
| Chinese Language Teachers Association of NSW Inc | Juan Yang |
| Classical Languages Teachers Association Inc. | Jann Hoyos |
| English Teachers Association NSW | Danielle Darwick |
| English Teachers Association NSW | Hayley Matas |
| Geography Teachers Association of NSW & ACT | Alexandria Warnock |
| Marine Teachers Association of NSW | David Rathbone |
| Mathematical Association of NSW | Jim MacDougall |
| Modern Language Teachers Association NSW | Janelle Byrne |
| Modern Language Teachers Association NSW | Sana Zreika |
| Orff Schulwerk Association of NSW | Susan Curbishley |
| Science Teachers’ Association of NSW | Deb de Ridder |
| Science Teachers’ Association of NSW | Julie Rogers |
| Technology Educators Association NSW | Melinda Buxton |
| Visual Arts and Design Educators Association | Aaron Landers |
| Visual Arts and Design Educators Association | Helen Yip |
Sandy Hollis, Association for Studies of Religion
Sandy Hollis is a long-standing member of the Association for Studies of Religion and has served on the Committee of the Association for seven years, including five years as Vice President and most recently, two years as President.
Sandy has been a driving force behind Professional Learning for teachers of Studies of Religion. She has presented at numerous conferences for teachers and students throughout New South Wales and was a founding participant in the Association’s rural and regional professional learning program. Sandy is generous with her time and talents, providing guidance to schools and teachers from every sector in the development of authentic teaching a learning programs and assessment in Studies of Religion. In addition, Sandy has represented the interests of Studies of Religion teachers and students in consultation with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority. She is thoroughly deserving of this honour.
Hayley Dean, Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Hayley Dean’s outstanding contribution to the physical and health education profession through her involvement in the Australian Council of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER NSW) is recognised by this award.
Hayley has been a board member of ACHPER NSW since 2015. During this time, she has made a positive contribution to ACHPER’s core business. Her energy and drive have ensured that ACHPER NSW remains a lead organisation supporting quality teaching in NSW.
Hayley has an in-depth knowledge of NESA and the Department of Education policies in relation to curriculum, assessment and reporting, including the HSC. This enables Hayley to provide high-level, accurate advice and support to ACHPER NSW members and the Board.
Hayley has provided quality assured professional learning and support for teachers. She has developed quality teaching and learning resources and shared these whilst presenting professional learning for ACHPER NSW at school, network, state and national level.
Hayley’s experience has enabled ACHPER NSW to successfully collaborate within the NSW PDHPE curriculum team to support K-10 teachers to develop teaching and learning programs, assessments and reporting practices that are evidence-based, inclusive, engaging for students and reflect registration requirements.
Hayley’s commitment to the physical and health education profession is exemplary.
Hayley’s outstanding professional service to the mission of ACHPER NSW makes her a worthy recipient for the 2019 Outstanding Professional Service Award.
Andrew Mifsud, Australian Society for Music Education
Andrew has been a member of the NSW ASME committee since 2012. He is held in the highest regard by his colleagues, and his sustained and thoughtful contributions to the work of the association have added significantly to the whole.
Andrew has served as secretary of ASME NSW since 2015. This has involved recording meeting minutes, ensuring that communications with the committee and wider membership have been prompt and efficient. He works tirelessly for the association which has been seen particularly as he established and continues to organise ASME’s annual Composition Professional Development Day, a key component of our calendar.
He also has acted as Newsletter Editor for over 5 years, and is largely responsible for the “public face” of ASME.
Most importantly Andrew readily shares his knowledge and has proven to be an important support and contributed to the ASME committee.
Juan Yang, Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of NSW
Juan Yang has always been actively and publicly promoting the course of teacher professionalism and quality education in both the 2018 and 2019 Chinese Language Spectacular, 2019 Bright Eyes Cup “Hello Mandarin” Recitation Competition and 2019 CLTA Annual Conference. As one of the art directors of the 2018 Chinese Language Spectacular, Juan has received positive feedback on her successful organisation and creativity. She was awarded a certificate of appreciation for her hard work and dedication, inspiring students to participate in the Recitation Competition 2019. In addition, she has freely given her time and expertise, through teacher in-service workshops and as a committee member of the Chinese language Teachers’ Association, NSW. She has been an encouragement to the members of the Association to develop support material teachers to assist them in introducing new teaching strategies in the classroom.
Jann Hoyos, Classical Languages Teachers Association Inc
For many years Jann Hoyos has managed the committee dealing with the Barton Fund and its scholarships. This is a complex and responsible role, as the Barton Fund consists of a private legacy for the advancement of classical studies. Schools may request a subsidy for an innovative program or resources, and an annual scholarship is awarded to an HSC student who enrols in classics at university. Jann is responsible for processing applications from schools and individuals, and, in consultation with the committee, for deciding the successful applicants. She also publicises the benefits of the Barton Scholarship to universities and schools. This is a significant contribution to the continuing appeal of studying classical languages at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Jann has fulfilled this role with dedication and integrity, both before and since her retirement from active teaching.
Danielle Darwick, English Teachers Association NSW
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through managing professional development events for the English Teachers Association.
Encouraged by her colleague Hayley Matas, Danielle has been an active committee member since 2018, moving from volunteering to the co-management of the PD committee this year. Over the past two years, she has extended members’ sense of community with her interactions with the photo booth at ETA conferences. She has responded to Calls for Papers to the journal and submitted work on gaming in English.
This year, she and her co-manager Danielle have instigated a new program of monthly podcasts in which teachers who have achieved a certain standing in the professional community or have completed a particular project are interviewed about their accomplishments. These illustrations of professional success model a range of ways in which teachers can realise their own goals. The podcasts have extended the ways the ETA can support its members and have created a sense of community. Danielle and her co-manager have planned, organised speakers and presented a session for the English Studies webinar series.
Danielle collaborates productively with her ETA colleagues and contributes to the discussion and ideas at meetings. She is always willing to try out new ideas and consider the suggestions of others, seeing a task through to its completion.
Danielle’s affability, dedication and care for the English teaching community make her a worthy recipient of the Outstanding Professional Service Award.
Hayley Matas, English Teachers Association NSW
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through managing professional development events for the English Teachers Association
Hayley joined the ETA Professional Development Committee in 2017. Over these past 3 years she has attended most events and has managed areas of increasing significance which contribute to the success of a professional development experience. Beginning with social aspects of an event such as themed photo booths, through to presenting at Early Career Teacher days, then at conferences, to completing articles for publication and finally to managing major events. Hayley has demonstrated the skills of a reflective practitioner, knowing what she needs to know to be able to support her colleagues effectively.
Her approach to her volunteering is methodical and creative. She is reliable, delivering what she promises, meticulously and in a timely way, as well as suggesting innovative approaches to professional communications. This year, she and her co-manager Danielle have instigated a new program of monthly podcasts in which teachers who have achieved a certain standing in the professional community or have completed a particular project are interviewed about their accomplishments. These illustrations of professional success model a range of ways in which teachers can realise their own goals. The podcasts have extended the ways the ETA can support its members and have created a sense of community. Hayley and her co-manager have planned, organised speakers and presented a session for the English Studies webinar series.
Hayley’s energy, willingness and achievements for the English teaching community make her a worthy recipient of the Outstanding Professional Service Award.
Alexandria Warnock, Geography Teachers Association of NSW & ACT
Alexandria’s contributions to GTANSW & ACT over several years have included presenting HSC Exam Preparation lectures; presenting at GTA Teacher conferences, contributing material to the Geography Bulletin, representing GTA at NESA consultations, regular and active contributions to Board discussions and meetings and providing consultation services to regional schools.
David Rathbone, Marine Teachers Association of NSW
The Marine Teachers Association of NSW would like to nominate Mr David Rathbone, in recognition of his significant and continuous contribution to the support of the MTA and education in NSW.
David’s contribution to the MTA has been significant. As a Boat Hub Coordinator since 2014, he volunteers his time to maintain and coordinate the Gosford Boat Hub, along with assist students in earning their Boat Licence. As Vice President since 2015, David plays an active role in helping the committee work towards strategic directions, coordinated conferences, led Professional Learning activities and worked closely with key stakeholders to maximise opportunities for members and students.
As a classroom teacher for 35 years, David is hard-working and dedicated. He is a qualified PDHPE teacher but his passion, skills and knowledge of the water, boats and fish have led him to teach and coordinate Marine Studies for the Berkeley Vale Campus. David is a team player who shares his knowledge with less experienced staff.
He is extremely conscientious in his role as Work Health and Safety Coordinator. He works closely with the DoE WHS Consultant to ensure that Berkeley Vale Campus is following all of the mandated policies.
Jim MacDougall, Mathematical Association of NSW
Jim is a long serving member of MANSW’s Newcastle Mathematics Cluster. Jim has been the coordinator, paper writer and marker for the Colin Doyle Maths Competition, formerly known as the Colin Doyle Memorial Prize, for well over 20 years. The Colin Doyle Competition began over 30 years ago and has been held annually ever since. It was established by the Newcastle Mathematical Association for students in Year 11 in schools in Newcastle and the Hunter region. The competition is named in honour of Colin Doyle who was the long-standing Head of Mathematics at Newcastle Teachers’ College. Colin influenced several generations of mathematics teachers in the region. In recent years the scope has expanded to include the Central Coast region.
Janelle Byrne, Modern Language Teachers Association of NSW
Janelle Byrne in recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of Language teachers and education in NSW through the Modern Language Teachers’ Association of NSW, as a committee member for over ten years and as Secretary on the Executive Committee 2009-2013 and 2018 to the present.
Janelle has been an active member of the Modern Language Teachers’ Association of NSW for over 20 years. She has consistently and publicly promoted the cause of teacher professionalism and quality teaching in Languages. Janelle has a strong interest in advocacy for Languages and supporting teacher growth in this area. She has willingly given her time and expertise to the association and its members by managing member communication, organising student events and presenting at workshops and conferences such as the Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers national conference. Janelle has encouraged and led the members of the Association to develop support material for Language teachers to assist them to introduce new teaching strategies in the classroom. Her excellent attention to detail and organisational skills have enabled the committee and association in general to function smoothly and efficiently over a number of years.
Janelle has worked a classroom Japanese teacher, Coordinator of the Tanken Japanese Language Centre, Supervisor at the Saturday School of Community Languages, Language Officer at the Department of Education State Office and Head Teacher, Teaching and Learning at the NSW School of Languages. Janelle is passionate about ensuring that all teachers have access to relevant professional learning, and she places great importance on rural and remote teachers, supporting them with online learning to improve their languages teaching pedagogy. She had provided support for beginning teachers with high quality professional learning. As a leader of ICT innovation in teaching and learning Janelle has supported and mentored teachers in their capacity to implement digital tools and resources into their learning spaces. She has led the NESA committee to ensure that the newly selected prescribed texts for the Japanese Stage 6 Extension and Background Speaker courses relate to the prescribed issues in the syllabuses.
Sana Zreika, Modern Language Teachers Association of NSW
Sana Zreika, in recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of Languages teachers and Languages education in NSW through the Modern Language Teachers’ Association of NSW as member of the Executive as President of Modern Language Teachers’ Association of NSW from 2006-2008, Treasurer 2003-2006 and as Vice President from 2018 until the present time.
Sana has been an active member of the Modern Language Teachers’ Association of NSW for over 18 years. She has always actively and publicly promoted the cause of teacher professionalism and quality education in the Languages area. She has a strong interest in advocacy for Languages teachers across the state. In addition, she has freely given her time and expertise, through teacher in-service workshops with the NSW and DoE, and as a presenter and committee member of the Modern Language Teachers’ Association of NSW since 2003. She has encouraged and led the members of the Association to develop support material for Language teachers to assist them to introduce new teaching strategies in the classroom. She has also been responsible for editing and distributing the biannual MLTANSW Languages magazine, Accents over the years. Sana has also been actively involved in the coordination of the annual Linguafest Film Competition, the biennial MLTANSW Language teacher conferences and Scholarship Awards for Languages students in NSW. Sana has delivered presentations on Language teaching practices, advocacy strategies and materials at regional, state, national and international levels.
Sana has worked as a classroom teacher, Executive teacher, Relieving Deputy Principal at the NSW School of Languages, Languages Consultant-Primary and Secondary, Senior Curriculum Advisor Building Education Revolution, Lead Writer and advisor with the AFMLTA, ACARA, DoE and NESA. She is currently Principal of Saturday School of Community Languages, which oversees over 15 centres across the State with 3200 students learning 26 languages across years 7-12.
Sana has been invited to work with major educational stakeholders such as DoE, AFMLTA, ACARA, AIS, NESA and overseas educational authorities on various occasions to prepare material to support teachers in the implementation of syllabuses in the Languages area both in NSW and nationally.
She has been involved in the development of the Languages syllabuses (particularly Arabic and many Community Language syllabuses) over the years as a consultant, contributor and evaluator. She has been involved in the development of the Australian Curriculum: Arabic for ACARA and has previously worked on the HSC Examination committee and as an HSC Marker over a number of years. Sana is a passionate languages practitioner who has made an outstanding contribution to the education of Language students and raised the profile of Languages through her continued, tireless and enthusiastic work with K-12 Languages teachers in New South Wales schools.
Susan Curbishley, Orff Schulwerk Association of NSW
Susan Curbishley is committed to experiential learning offered by Orff Schulwerk. She has made a significant contribution to music teachers and music education in NSW and ACT through the Orff Schulwerk Association of NSW. Susan has been responsible for organising and presenting workshops in the ACT and is recognised as a leader in this field. Susan was also responsible for running our Association resources for many years and was in charge of curating books, scores and arrangements which were tailor made to our membership. Many of our members have benefited from the extensive knowledge that Susan brought to that position. More recently, Susan has taken on the position of Association treasurer, a role that she has approached with integrity and professionalism. Susan was involved in the organisation and running of the 2018 National Conference, as well as a presenter at the 2015, 2017 and 2019 State Conferences. Susan has also presented in other states, especially Victoria, where she is a favourite of many who attend the Early Childhood Conference in Melbourne. Susan has actively and publicly promoted the cause of a quality music education.
Deb de Ridder, Science Teachers Association NSW
Deb de Ridder was nominated as a STANSW Councillor in 2017. She earned the respect of Council quickly and was elected as vice president for the Association in 2018 and has shown dedication and commitment through her ongoing support of the President and the Association. Deb has been instrumental in managing the early career teachers program and inviting new presenters to become involved in the Association. Her skills in leadership became evident as she convened the leadership program for aspiring leaders of science. Deb helped develop the statewide Diving Deep into depth studies workshops and trained many facilitators across NSW to present the workshop. She helped develop and facilitate the foundational science extension twilight program on which others have been able to build. Deb’s knowledge and understanding of science education has been willingly and generously shared will all. Her positive attitude and energy for supporting science teachers has been most appreciated by all who have worked with her and her contributions have been outstanding.
Julie Rogers, Science Teachers Association NSW
Julie is an active STANSW member and since her nomination to STANSW Council in 2016, she has taken on the executive role of Treasurer. She has ably managed the finances of the Association with dedication and diligence. Julie has maintained the role of STANSW Young Science committee member and helped streamline the relationship and communication between all stakeholders. She co-convened a number of BEEINS conferences, was involved in attending the STEM X program in 2017 at Condobolin, and is a presenter for Meet The Markers conference for science teachers. Julie is passionate about providing professional development which improves student learning by increasing teachers’ understanding of HSC assessment guidelines and the marking process. In this way, she positively influences teacher judgement and professionalism. Julie actively promotes and encourages young teachers to be involved in STANSW conference participation through her network of schools. She has been diligent in performing all executive roles that have been required of her with generosity and enthusiasm. She has provided ongoing support to the president and the working of the association.
Melinda Buxton, Technology Educators Association
Mrs Melinda Buxton Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Design and Technology. Melinda, in recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of Technology education in NSW through the Technology Educators Association, as Vice President and Treasurer (May 2014 – current).
Melinda’s impact on the Association is indispensable. Her involvement is never restricted to her position, supporting all activities. She is known and valued for her communication, advice and judgment. A respected mentor across sectors, career stages and within the Association; she is known and valued for her communication, measured advice and informed judgement.
The financial management of the Association is paramount. Her dedication and commitment is evident, continuing during periods of extended leave. As Treasurer, Melinda was pivotal in leading change. She initiated processes for documentation, digital storage and event management. A key contact, Melinda supported the transition to the Professional Teachers Council, resulting in sustainable practices with greater consistency and transparency.
She has fostered industry partnerships to design high-quality professional learning opportunities for Technology teachers to inspire and improve their own professional practice.
Aaron Landers, Visual Arts and Design Educators Association
Aaron has been a VADEA member since 2011 and joined the VADEA Executive in 2014 as Secretary, where he showcased his exemplary record keeping skills. In 2016, he took up the role of Director of Membership Services, a position he currently holds. Aaron has been a committed and passionate member of the Executive during this time, providing sound counsel and a high level of professionalism in his roles.
Aaron plays an instrumental role in many of the projects and events undertaken by VADEA, including membership initiatives, conference budgeting and contributions to the creation of a recent VADEA survey. He is invaluable to the running of the annual VADEA Conferences where he is always willing to assist in various roles such as presenter liaison, audio visual support, technical support, social media, photography and working at the registration desk.
Aaron’s high level of organisational and interpersonal skills are integral to the functioning of the association. Aaron is a valued member of the VADEA Executive and his promotion of visual arts education is embodied in his active participation and contribution to planning meetings.
Helen Yip, Visual Arts and Design Educators Association
A VADEA member since 2011, Helen has undertaken important roles in the VADEA Executive and in Project Officer roles. In her initial roles of Professional Development Metropolitan Project Officer and Design Project Officer, Helen’s expertise as an outstanding presenter for VADEA professional learning workshops and her innovative resource development and wide-ranging graphic skills were highly valued. In 2018 Helen became the Director of Communications and in 2019 the Director of Professional Learning. As a VADEA member Helen has consistently supported visual arts colleagues as a presenter for the VADEA Metro Inspire & Indulge Professional Development programs.
Helen played a key role in the planning and design of the 2018 VADEA Annual Conference program and had a crucial role in the writing team, developing education resources and promotional material for both the 2018 and 2019 VADEA conferences. Helen has also inspired visual arts teachers through her conference papers and workshops at VADEA conferences and recently co-represented VADEA at the National Visual Arts Education Conference in 2019.
Helen is extremely well organised and committed to professionally developing her colleagues and highly regarded for her generosity and comprehensive syllabus knowledge.
Helen actively promotes quality education in the visual arts to support visual arts teachers in the implementation of innovative teaching strategies in the classroom.