Three local teachers were among eighty-five New South Wales teachers recognised as among the nations finest at a prestigious ceremony attended by Gunnedah’s Education Minister Sarah Mitchell.

Simone Hirsch and Elizabeth Smith from Tamworth South Public School and Vanessa Miller from Nemingah Public School have been celebrated for attaining the highest levels of national accreditation – Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher (HALT).

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the accreditation showed that the teachers had demonstrated highly effective, innovative, and exemplary teaching practices.

“Students across our region are fortunate enough to have some of the state’s most committed and highest achieving teachers in our schools,” Mr Anderson said.

“Our three teachers demonstrate our region’s ability to produce the best and brightest and I sincerely congratulate them for their achievement and the work they do.

“Congratulations to our teachers for their achievements and recognition and thank you for the work you do in our schools. The high quality of their teaching ensures the very best start in life for our state’s early childhood, primary and high school children.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said teachers who achieve Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation have met the highest standards for Australian teachers, requiring them to demonstrate the effectiveness, innovation and influence of their teaching practices.

“These teachers are not only leaders and advisors in the classroom, they leadinnovation and change across their school, region, NSW and beyond,” Ms Mitchell said.

“I’m inspired by the commitment of these outstanding teachers to ensuring their professional practice is making an impact in the classroom and sharing their methods and results with colleagues far and wide.”

The 2022 Recognition Ceremony for Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers in NSW is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PAMDJBiYLM

To find out more about the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Accreditation Policy, please visit the NSW Education Standards Authority.