1999 Teacher Winners
Categories:
Primary
MR DAVID PACE
Torquay Primary School, VIC
David Pace clearly demonstrates that teachers at all levels of the curriculum can teach and practice effective and relevant science. A prep. teacher at Torquay Primary School, on Victoria's surf coast, David's passion for the environment has led to an innovative science program which is integrated into other learning areas.
David established and operates the Students for Environment Action (SEA) Group, a group of students who take positive environmental action in their local area. The Group's most recent accomplishment has been the development of a plant nursery which holds over 3000 indigenous plants in the school grounds.
Students are learning to scientifically identify and propagate from seed and cuttings a variety of grasses, ground cover shrubs and trees from the local area, ready to use in the grounds of the new school when it relocates in the Year 2000.
The judges were impressed with the way David actively engages the local community in his program and seeks promotion of it. In addition to the indigenous nursery, other features of David's program are field trips and surveys, collection of research data on frog species, construction of nesting boxes for birds and an interschool student conservation conference, which have all led to an increased community awareness of the value of indigenous plants and habitat.
With his prize money, David intends to hold a student conservation camp in the local area next year, which will further raise interest in these local ecological issues.
Secondary
MR MICHAEL O'CONNOR
Ballina High School, NSW
It was hard for the judges to believe that Michael could possibly be a classroom teacher in addition to the extra work he has done in establishing and operating a complete marine studies centre within his school. 'I can't wait to meet this person, who seems to extract 25 hours from every day', was a comment heard in the judges meeting.
Michael shows outstanding commitment and enthusiasm towards his chosen career, and has extended his network far beyond the classroom, establishing contacts with the Fisheries Industry, tertiary institutions, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and various private and state providers.
A pioneer in marine studies education, Michael's program had its beginning at Ballina High School, but it now caters for students from playgroup to adult education right across New South Wales. In a unique partnership with local church and private camps, the Centre caters for students from isolated schools providing low cost accommodation and high quality marine science education during their visit.
The Marine Discovery and Resource Centre, located in the grounds of Ballina High School, offers a range of innovative programs, including marine ecology and biology monitoring of water quality and marine animal populations, coastcare and vocational education.
In addition to the dedication Michael clearly demonstrates, he must also be a truly inspiring teacher, as evidenced by students who volunteer their own time on weekends and after school to assist in marine related projects.
Highly Commended
LOUISE RUZIC
Kilvington Baptist Girls Grammar School, VIC
MIKE ROACH
Hamilton Secondary College, SA
PAUL RICHARDS
Townsville State High School, QLD
ELIZABETH DOWNEY
St Leonard's College, VIC