$10K Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship winner announced

Damien Nicholls of Mylor Primary School, South Australia, is this year’s recipient of the Public Education Foundation’s Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship.

Damien teaches Year 4 and Year 5 students and covers all subjects from Literacy, Numeracy to Health and Social Sciences and PE.

The scholarship supports public school teachers who are in the first three years of their teaching career, with Teachers Health providing $10,000 for professional development activities.

“As a beginning teacher, the scholarship awarded means a lot. Speaking with other teachers at my site, opportunities like this weren’t offered when they were starting out as teachers, so it really is a huge privilege to have been successful in receiving the scholarship from Teachers Health. It provides me with a great opportunity to experience professional development in a variety of settings and further my professional knowledge. Teachers don’t often get opportunities like this and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in professional development outside of the state,” said Nicholls.

“I plan to use the scholarship to further my understanding in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, looking to partake in the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing. This program aims to provide developmental activities and assessments in the classroom to help me provide my students with the best and safest learning environment possible.”

“Damien is a passionate and driven young teacher, and worthy recipient of the scholarship. The scholarship provides him with an amazing learning opportunity and the Mylor school community are very excited for him,” said Nathan Sanders, Principal of Mylor Primary School.

“We’re proud of our partnership with the Public Education Foundation, it’s one of the ways we give back to the education community. This year’s recipient, Damien Nicholls, has already demonstrated his passion for education and dedication to his students, community and the teaching profession," said Brad Joyce, Teachers Health CEO

"Student wellbeing is critical to successful learning, and from the earliest stages of his career, Damien Nicholls has demonstrated his commitment to his students' growth and wellbeing," said David Hetherington, the Public Education Foundation Executive Director.