Emmanuel Catholic College teacher Lee-Anne Marroccoli has been awarded a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) for her inspiring and innovative contribution to teaching.

Mrs Marroccoli joined 11 other award-winners from across Australia selected from 1450 nominations last year.

Now in its 23rd year, the ASG  NEiTA  awards  have  contributed more than $1 million in professional development grants to outstanding teachers in Australia and New Zealand.

The Head of Year 12 at Emmanuel, Mrs Marroccoli was nominated by a Year 12 parent for making significant differences in her leadership capabilities to ensure that students do not get left behind in education.

She was cited for engaging students, holding their attention and continually role modelling enthusiasm for her subject area are key aspects of Mrs Marroccoli’s teaching.

Mrs Marroccoli is always prepared to answer questions, even the challenging ones, and continuing to encourage students to inquire and question beyond the classroom.

Within the pastoral program that she has run for Years 7, 9, 11 and 12, she enlisted the assistance of community professionals with links to the college to deliver a 21st century Skills Based Program to encourage life learning which included cyber and water safety, first aid and mental health, and anti-bullying messages.

Importantly, Mrs Marroccoli is interested in using student feedback to improve learning, saying listening to ‘student voice’ was critical to improving teacher practice and student achievement.

“By getting to know how students feel, their sense of belonging and connectedness, this can transform school culture,” she said.

“Building strong relationships and truly ‘knowing’ my students has allowed me to be approachable and set a climate for students to extend their own academic achievements.”

Mrs Marroccoli believes teachers should be mentors and role model to young people.

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