The New South Wales Minister for Education, the Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC, recognised teachers who have achieved the highest levels of NSW accreditation in 2019 at a prestigious ceremony in Sydney. The NSW government’s annual Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) Awards recognise teachers that display exemplary, innovative and compassionate teaching practice.

Jeni McCarthy from St Bernard’s Primary School, Batemans Bay and Wendy Mockler-Giles from Lumen Christi Catholic College, Pambula Beach were among those teachers who were honoured in the ceremony.

HALT accreditation acknowledges a teacher’s contribution to their community to improve student outcomes. This is done through a rigorous process involving a 360-degree view on their teaching from external assessors, colleagues, students and other members of the community.

“HALT accreditation motivates you to take up opportunities that advance your career but keep you teaching, coaching and mentoring others,” said Wendy Mockler-Giles. “Becoming a HALT means I’m leading from the classroom, where I love being.”

Jeni McCarthy said that her accreditation had opened up many new opportunities for her to extend her career and influence on the education of students in Catholic schools.

“I am currently liaising with Catholic Schools NSW and reflecting on the accreditation process to see how we can support more teachers to take up the opportunity,” she said. “I am training as an External Assessor for the NSW Education Standards Authority, on top of doing a job I love, which is working with students and families in Catholic schools, supporting them on their educational journey.”