Professional Teachers' Council Outstanding Professional Services Awards
2010
Matthew Brown, Wagga Wagga High School
In recognition of his significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers in the South West region as founder and president of the branch and professional learning initiatives.
Matthew has been a member from the earliest days of Wagga Wagga branch, holding various positions on the Executive, often the President. According to key members, Matthew is the ‘real heart’ of the Wagga Branch of the ETA and ensures that it is a driving force in Wagga and environs – ‘not so that it merely exists, but so that it is a vitalising agent in the lives of its members’.
Matthew organises events and coordinates others to make contributions. He always has a considered yet passionate input himself. He does all this with the appearance of effortlessness, and with charm and good humour. Everything Matt organises goes off beautifully. He also makes sure everyone is involved so that members too can feel satisfaction with a job well done.
Perhaps Matthew’s greatest gift is his unflagging enthusiasm and support for beginning teachers. Every year he organises a session for them where they can meet and ask questions of local English head teachers. Matthew encourages all young teachers to become active members of the ETA and to give to and learn from the organisation.
Simply, Matthew is passionate, vastly knowledgeable, and tireless in his promotion of ETA and what is best for teachers and students of English in South Western NSW.
Rosalee Whitely, Dubbo District Office DET
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association in the Western Plains region
Rosalee has served on the executive of Western Plains Branch of ETA for more than a decade firstly as Secretary and then as President. In these roles she has been generous with her time and energy and keeps to very high standards of integrity.
Rosalee leads through sound theoretical understandings of effective pedagogy, including her own accredited research into literacy learning among aboriginal children. She consults with members so that professional development events are tailored to their needs, maintains regular communications and networks to encourage the sharing of expertise. She has taken special care to support beginning teachers in remote/isolated schools and has made extensive and varied use of new technology (including setting up a wiki and Moodle) to communicate better with teachers who suffer the tyranny of distance.
Importantly, the above roles are undertaken with enthusiasm, considerate in her dealings with people and good grace.
Gersha Shteyman – Kesser Torah College
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers in the development of the ETA journal mETAphor and teaching resources.
Gersha has been a tireless contributor to teacher professional development since she joined the mETAphor and publications committees in 2008. Since that time she has used her considerable writing skills, understanding of curriculum and creative teaching approaches to contribute to ETA publications.
Gersha takes the initiative on writing projects and pursues them to their completion, often taking over those left unfinished by others and bringing them up to publication standard. Her reliability and willingness to take on the routine work such as proofing and editing as well as her regular and active attendance at meetings has won her the position of Reviews Editor and Assistant Editor of mETAphor, the journal of the ETA. In this role she has been proactive in seeking articles and particularly creating a strong reviews section which supports teachers in their selection of texts.
Gersha’s understanding of needs of teachers and how these may be effectively met, along with her devotion of extra hours and energy to achieve this on a regular basis make her an exceptional member of the Association.
2009
Melpomene Dixon, Loreto Kirribilli
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as Editor mETAphor
Mel Dixon moved from Queensland at the beginning of 2007 and one of her first professional actions was to join ETA and volunteer for committee work. Since that time she has served on various ETA committees - the Curriculum and Assessment committee, Publications committee and Professional Development committee – all of which she supports enthusiastically. Mel’s most significant contribution has been toward the ETA journal, mETAphor, and has successfully taken over the role of editor. In this capacity she has gathered around her an effective committee and revolutionised its processes to produce a journal appealing to and valued by English teachers. As editor of mETAphor, Mel also serves on the ETA Executive.
Mel’s understanding of the education community, teachers’ needs and interests, along with her devotion of extra hours and energy make her an exceptional member of the Association.
Deborah Simpson
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as Manager Professional Development
Deb Simpson has been an active member of ETA committees since 2006. Her interests have been in the areas of Curriculum and Assessment, serving on this committee in her first year and moving to the Professional Development committee in her second. Deb’s knowledge of curriculum and teachers’needs is impressive and this understanding along with superb organisational skills, a cool head and rational approach to issues led to her election as Manager Professional Development. Under her direction, systems have been streamlined, formalised in guidelines for Professional Development, distributed through the committee and broadened to include processes for accreditation through ETA events. The events themselves have retained their quality, significance and appeal.
Deb’s commitment to the professional development of teachers is exhibited through her involvement in almost every ETA event at planning and evaluation stages and energetic support at the function itself. She is an exceptional member of the association.
Linda Fox
In recognition of her significant contribution supporting teachers and education in western NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as a branch president, professional learning initiatives and Study Days.
Linda Fox has been involved in ETA activities throughout her professional career. Identifying the need for local professional networks she established the MIA ETA branch, serving as president for twenty years. Through the MIA branch she facilitated professional learning activities in many towns in the western Riverina and followed these with social activities, thereby strengthening networking and encouraging resource sharing.
Linda professionally developed English teachers both within her school (Wade High) and throughout the western Riverina of NSW.
Identifying the disadvantage of rural isolation, Linda inaugurated the MIA English Study Day over fifteen years ago. Linda coordinated external and local presenters, arranged venues and managed finances to ensure hundreds of western Riverina HSC students would benefit annually from study days.
In retirement, Linda still teaches English part time at Griffith High, contributes as a study day presenter and encourages regional English teachers.
2008
Prudence Greene, Curriculum K-12 Directorate, Department of Education and Training
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as Association Secretary.
Prue Greene has been a member of the ETA Executive for the past 3 years and has served on various ETA committees since 2002. Over this time, she has been a tireless advocate for students and teachers in disadvantaged schools. Her contribution to ETA has ranged widely across areas such as writing resources for teachers, presenting at conferences and oversight of the growth of the association. Prue has worked to forge stonger links between the DET and the professional association, ensuring that the separate work of the two bodies is complementary and so maximising the effectiveness of each.
As secretary of the association, Prue is a key member of the Executive. She is always ready when needed, provides considered and detailed input into consultations and decisions taken by the ETA and has the ability rise to any challenge.
Katherina Lathouras, Knox Grammar School
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as Manager Professional Development
Kath Lathouras has been an active member of ETA Council and committees since 2004. While her interest has always been in professional development, she has made significant contributions to ETA publications in her development of detailed and extensive resources for teachers. Her commitment to the professional development of teachers is exhibited through her involvement in almost every ETA event at planning and evaluation stages and energetic support at the function itself.
Kath was a zealous Manager Professional Development, insisting on fulfilling all the duties of that position with dedication, even to the point of timing the birth of her third child to the day after she had finished organising a very successful ETA Annual Conference.
Karen Yager, Northern Sydney Region Office, DET
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as member of the ETA Executive.
Karen has been an active member of ETA for many years having served as president of the Far North Coast Branch before being elected to Council in 2004 and finally to the Executive as a director in 2006.
Karen has worked tirelessly and with enthusiasm in supporting ETA projects of every kind. Her particular interest has been in the area of professional development where she is extremely generous with her expertise giving innumberable inservices on a vast array of topics. Her ideas are exciting and her warmth of delivery takes teachers from their comfort zone into new territories that they might otherwise not have entered. Karen is happy to take her ‘shows on the road’ to support teachers in the regions and has donated many a weekend to do so.
Her understanding of the education community, teachers’ needs and the context in which they work, along with her devotion of extra hours and energy make her an exceptional member of the Association.
2007
Michael Jones, Powerhouse Museum
In recognition of his ‘cutting edge’, significant, and sustained contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through programs of professional development through the English Teachers’ Association.
In 2004 Michael Jones approached the English Teachers’ Association with suggestions for the professional development of English teachers particularly in the new areas of the curriculum. His advice and energy have enabled the ETA to support teachers who have wanted to lead, accompany and for some, simply follow, their students into new worlds of technology.
Michael has contributed to teachers’ skills and knowledge well beyond the requirements of his position as Manager of the VectorLab at the Powerhouse Museum. He has done so through the planning and management of the highly-regarded ScreenSpeak programs, multiple presentations to teachers on all aspects of screen education including media, multimedia, television and film and by supporting the association through his technical expertise in such areas as podcasting, editing and online support. As a presenter, he is extremely knowledgable, engaging and has the ability to understand, respect and address the varieties in knowledge, experience and confidence of adult learners.
Michael’s understanding of the education community, teachers’ needs and the context in which they work, along with his commitment of extra hours and energy makes him an exceptional member of the Association. Learning from Michael has inspired others to teach.
2006
Darcy Moore, Deputy Principal Dapto High School
In recognition of his significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as Manager, Web and Technology Committee
Darcy Moore has served on ETA council for the last three years. In that time he has undertaken the development of the ETA Discussion Board which he has moderated on a daily basis. In this role he ensures the availablity and clear arrangement of the many discussions that take place among members. Darcy’s own contributions to the discussions have been detailed and supportive to members offering relevant and helpful assistance and advice for all enquiries. This in itself is a massive task involving huge commitment of time, thought and energy. Darcy also promotes the ETA’s online facilities in presentations at conferences, drawing in an increasingly interactive membership. In 2005 Darcy undertook the broader work of Manager of the Web and Technology committee of ETA and has been a significant driver of innovation including his work on the redesign of the ETA web site and the implementation of internet based teleconferencing.
Darcy’s understanding of the education community, teachers’ needs and the context in which they work, along with his commitment of extra hours and energy makes him an exceptional member of the Association.
2002
Julie Wilson, Head Teacher Mentor, Dubbo College (Senior Campus Delroy, South Campus)
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as President Western Plains Branch ETA for more than a decade and Vice President Branches 2004-2005.
Julie Wilson has served on ETA council for the last two years and as President of the Western Plains Branch for more than a decade. In her time on Council, Julie has supervised and managed a strong ETA branch culture in regional NSW. She negotiates with regional areas on their professional development needs, frequently supplies these herself securing a reputation for the ETA of high quality events and effective response to teachers needs. She has promoted the interests of the branches and successfully liaised between the city and country ensuring their mutual support. Julie’s curriculum expertise, tireless efforts and commitment to teacher professionalism have been a source of continual inspiration to English teachers in NSW. Her understanding of the education community, teachers’ needs and the context in which they work, along with her commitment of extra hours and energy makes her an exceptional member of the Association.
Jeanette Heys, Ravenswood School for Girls
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as Vice President Publications 2005 and as Councillor since 1997.
Jeanette has been an active member of publications committee for the past six years and has produced units of work and examination papers that exemplify professional excellence. Her curriculum expertise and willingness to share her work and understanding have been a source of inspiration to many. Committed to quality teaching and learning, she has recently undertaken the intellectually demanding and time-consuming role of Vice President Publications and has fullfilled this role with dedication, scholarly rigour and style. Through her efforts, the ETA continues to develop a sound resource base for teachers in NSW and a significant source of funding for the promotion of further professional development. Jeanette’s knowledge of the subject, understanding of teachers’ needs, along with her devotion of hours of intellectual endeavour make her an exceptional member of the Association.
2004
Mark Howie, Head Teacher English, Penrith High school
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers' Association (ETA) as Treasurer, Vice-President Curriculum and Assessment 2003 and President 2004.
Mark Howie has served on ETA Council since 1997, and aside from his roles in the ETA executive, has held the position of Professional Teachers' Council representative on the Board of Studies Curriculum Committee, ETA representative on the Board of the Professional Teachers' Council and NSW delegate to the Australian Association for the Teaching of English. In his time on Council, Mark's main work has been in the areas of curriculum and assessment where he has contributed richly to an intellectually vibrant understanding of the nature of English, the pedagogies through which the subject may be communicated and the most effective ways of assessing and reporting on student learning. Mark has demonstrated exemplary professionalism in the integration of theory and practice, his commitment to student learning and his generosity to all English teachers. He has advanced the profession through his insight in his presentations and publications which have been acknowledged by his colleagues through their highest respect, commendation and his election as their representative in the role of president of their professional association.
Kerry Underhill, Curriculum Directorate, Department of Education and Training
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers' Association as a Councillor.
Kerry was elected to the Council of the English Teachers' Association in 2000. Since that time she has worked hard to forge stronger links between the DET and the professional association, ensuring that the separate work of the two bodies is complementary and so maximising the effectiveness of each. In her work, she has promoted the ETA and has frequently initiated new relationships between the association and other professional groups. She has worked tirelessly and with enthusiasm in supporting ETA projects of every kind and her work on the National Conference in 2004 was particularly appreciated. Kerry's understanding of the education community, teachers' needs and the context in which they work, along with her devotion of extra hours and energy make her an exceptional member of the Association.
Gillian Lovell, University of NSW
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers' Association as a Councillor.
Gil was elected to the Council of the English Teachers' Association in 1996 and has since been active in promoting the quality of English teaching throughout the state. Her particular areas of interest have been Curriculum, Assessment and Professional Learning where she has made significant contributions to syllabus development, assessment practices and teachers' understanding of curriculum implementation. Gil has given up many of her weekends to support teachers ' learning at ETA conferences and has frequently travelled to rural areas to in-service teachers in the regions. Her administrative talents have been greatly appreciated particularly in her work in organising the National Conference in 2004.
2003
Dr Wayne Sawyer, Associate Professor, Head, Secondary Teacher Education Programs
School of Education, University of Western Sydney
In recognition of his significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers' Association as President 2002 – 2004 and Councillor from 1998 (current session - Wayne had served on Council in the '70s and '80s).
Wayne Sawyer has been a staunch and active member of the association throughout his teaching career. As President, Wayne has provided outstanding leadership for the Association and has represented the interests of the membership to the government, the media and other institutions. He has responded to issues and events on behalf of the ETA insightfully, with alacrity and dedication.
Wayne has played key roles in the development of English curriculum in this state and, as editor of the journal of the AATE English in Australia, enhanced curriculum understanding across the country. In his inititiative of developing position papers on issues in English, he has firmly focused the attention of the Association on the nature of the subject and the best ways of teaching it. Through his wider publications and as a major conference keynote presenter, Wayne has made a powerful contribution to the evolution of subject English and the high quality of its teaching.
Dr David Baxter, Lecturer, University of New England, School of Education
In recognition of his significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as Vice President Branches 1996 –2002 and Branch Liaison Officer 2003.
David Baxter has served on ETA council since 1996 and in that time has held the position of Vice President Branches which he initiated. As well, he has been the most recent NSW delegate to the Australian Association for the Teaching of English. In his time on Council, David has supervised and managed a strong ETA branch culture in regional NSW by negotiating with regional areas on their professional development needs and frequently supplying these himself. He has supported the interests of the branches and effectively liaised between the city and country branches developing mutual understanding by both. David’s understanding of the education community, teachers’ needs and the context in which they work, along with his commitment of extra hours, energy and personal finances makes him an exceptional member of the Association.
Kim Bow, English Teacher, St George Girls’ High School
In recognition of her significant and continuous contribution to the support of teachers and education in NSW through the English Teachers’ Association as Vice President Publications 2002 - 2003 and as Councillor since 1998.
Kim has been an active member of the ETA for the extent of her teaching career and an example of professional excellence. Committed to quality teaching and learning, she undertook the intellectually demanding and time-consuming the role of Vice President Publications. In that capacity she supervised and managed the conversion of publications from the previous to the current HSC syllabuses fulfilling her role with dedication, scholarly rigour and style. Through her efforts, the ETA has developed a sound resource base for teachers in NSW and a significant source of funding for the promotion of further professional development.
2002
Susan Gazis, Head Teacher English, St George Girls' High School
Susan Gazis has served on ETA council since 1994 and in that time has held the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer. In this time she has developed the organisation so that it has grown in size and influence. She has forged important links with the Ministry of Education, the Board of Studies (of which she is a member) and other key groups in education. Sue is also national President of AATE as well as President of the PTC. Her work on behalf of Teachers, especially teachers of English is tireless. Sue’s understanding of the education community, teachers’ needs and the context in which they work along with her commitment of extra hours and energy makes her an exceptional member of the association.
Bill Simon, Head Teacher English, Newtown School of the Performing Arts
Bill has been a member of ETA council since 1995. He has taken on the brief of editor mETAphor which he has fulfilled for the past 5 years. In that time Bill has changed the face of the journal, making it more up-to-the-minute and appealing. The changes in the English syllabus have inspired him to produce excellent resources for teachers, many of which he writes himself. Bill has also raised the standard and broadened the range of the publication by commissioning articles from academics and professionals. Bill’s creative talent and energy are admired by all who work with him.
David Hargrave, Deputy Principal, Chester Hill High School
David is the ETA Vice President Professional Development, a position he has held for two years. He has outstanding organisation and management skills. For the past two years he has been convenor of professional development programs at a time of enormous change for English teachers. His work on the annual conference is particularly admirable. These conferences create a ‘buzz’ in the English teaching community and have become the ‘must go’ event of the year. David’s conferences have achieved record attendances for ETA. His own workshops are particularly popular. He is an outstanding leader in English, always generous in sharing expertise with others across the state. He is professionally well respected by his peers and administrators.