Know an Outstanding Teacher?

Sylvia Arotin's, from My Montessori School and Guide & Grow Kellyville Ridge, NSW, innovation in early childhood education has seen her create unique teaching strategies that ignite a love of learning.

Parents have said her approach transcends theory; children flourish under her individualised guidance, growing both personally and academically.

Arotin has over 200,000 followers on social media, bridging the gap between parents and the educational process, enhancing transparency and inclusivity. Moreover, as an international speaker and trainer, she promotes best practices within the educator community.

Arotin was last year’s winner of Winner of the National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) Seed Award and nominations for this year’s awards are open. Australia’s longest continuing teacher recognition awards program will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year by awarding more than $80,000 in professional development grants and prizes to Australia’s best educators.

Parents, students and schools are encouraged to nominate exceptional teachers who have displayed extraordinary enthusiasm, commitment and creativity for a prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Award.

The National Excellence in Teaching Awards, supported by Futurity Investment Group, has recognised Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand’s most inspirational and talented educators and awarded more than $1.3 million in professional development grants and prizes.

“NEiTA nominees are exceptional, talented, committed and caring teachers who are dedicated to their students, schools and the community,” NEiTA Foundation Chairperson, Catherine O’Sullivan said.

“Importantly, NEiTA also raises the community’s confidence in the teaching profession and encourages the enjoyment of learning. Teachers help show our children what is possible."

This year will also see the introduction of the NEiTA Trustees' Alumni Award, which will recognise the ongoing excellence of a past NEiTA winner and a bolstered Terry O’Connell Regional and Remote Teachers’ Award, which honours NEiTA’s founder and recognises the different challenges teachers in regional, rural and remote communities can face.