Early Learning teacher, Jennifer Gorey, from the remote Kimberley Aboriginal Community School, Ngalangangpum, in Warmun has been recognised with two awards from the National Excellence in Teaching Awards Foundation (NEiTA) for her outstanding teaching performance and contribution to the advancement of education.

Jennifer Gorey with her NEiTA Award

The Seed Award recognises the efforts of pre-school teachers and early childhood educators, who lay the foundations for lifelong practice and enjoyment of learning and Jennifer is one of only two recipients chosen from Australia, (two are also chosen from New Zealand) receiving a $5000 professional development grant.

Jennifer’s second award, the Futurity Parents’ Award is given to the most deserving teacher, or early childhood educator, as nominated by the parents, and members, of Futurity Investment Group. One award is available, in Australia only.

The Awards are a community-centred program, started by the NEiTA Foundation in 1994, to honour exemplary teaching in Australia and New Zealand to raise community confidence in the teaching profession, to encourage the enjoyment of learning and to support increased professional development for teachers.

NEiTA provide grants and award prizes to teachers and leaders who have demonstrated a particularly high level of dedication, professional expertise and excellence.

A Catholic Education employee for over 20 years, Jennifer’s contributions to Ngalangangpum School, are witnessed in her passion and dedication to ensuring each student is nurtured and supported for their individual needs.

Jennifer uses play-based methods to provide hands on experiences that encourage exploration, discovery, creative thinking, and problem-solving among her students. Her empathetic approach and training in dealing with trauma have helped her reach out to and assist the local indigenous community through extended lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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