Albury electorate teacher recognised as nation’s finest

Member for Albury Justin Clancy has congratulated an Albury Electorate teacher who has been recognised as one of Australia’s finest.

Only 23 teachers across the State were awarded with the highest levels of accreditation at the prestigious ceremony in Sydney last night, including Kelly Sharwood, Assistant Principal of Tumbarumba Public School.

Mr Clancy said the awards recognise highly effective, innovative and exemplary teaching practice.

Mrs Sharwood’s teaching career spans over two decades, the majority of that time spent in Tumbarumba.

“Mrs Sharwood really represents the cream of the crop; she has gone above and beyond the daily demands of the job to achieve excellence in her profession,” Mr Clancy said.

“Mrs Sharwood is using her expertise to lift the prospects of the children in our electorate, and I am proud and thankful for the work she does.

“I want to congratulate Mrs Kelly Sharwood on her achievements and thank her for the work she does in our school system.”

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that teachers who achieve this level of accreditation are indispensable assets for their school communities as teaching experts, mentors and leaders.

“High quality teaching makes such a difference to the lives and learning of young people and sets them up for life,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Teaching across the whole school is undoubtedly enhanced when there are expert teachers to lead the improvement of teaching practice.”

At the event, the Professional Teachers’ Council NSW launched the NSW Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) Network. The Network will provide an opportunity for NSW HALTs to come together as leaders of the teaching profession and share their experience and expertise.