JANE Goodfellow’s passion for training inspired her to overcome sudden hearing loss eight years ago, and this month earned her the title of WA trainer of the year.
The North Metropolitan Tafe lecturer received the award at the WA Training Awards on September 15 for her work in education support and early childhood training.
Mrs Goodfellow said she had been a lecturer for 21 years, and was a trained primary, early childhood, and special needs teacher.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWAs well as lecturing, she currently teaches at Joondalup Education Support Centre as a special needs teacher in pre-kindy one day a week.
“Eight years ago I went suddenly and permanently deaf,” she said.
“I was determined not to have to leave my job so after having surgery for a cochlear implant I focused on making my deafness work for me in the training room.
“I’ve had to implement some new strategies to make sure I can keep up with the students but I use this to show how students can work with children with disabilities in schools.”
Judges commended her ability to make a positive difference in students’ lives including innovative training methods to match the context of situation or environment.
“I use QR Code treasure hunts, on-line portfolio apps where I upload photographs of students during class activities for them to comment on, texting games in class and lots of hands-on games,” Mrs Goodfellow said.
“I also enjoy using singing, and even juggling, to get students involved but probably the one strategy the students like the best is the ‘cake policy’, where we have a rotation to supply cakes for afternoon tea.”
The Kallaroo resident said she hoped the award would open up more professional opportunities, including public speaking roles and conference presentations.
“I hope that my training inspires my students to enter the education field and do the best they can do to influence children’s lives for the better,” she said.
“I also love that I get to help people achieve their life goals; it’s a very rewarding job.”
Mrs Goodfellow acknowledged the support of her Tafe colleagues and her husband Steve, who is also a lecturer at North Metropolitan Tafe.
The Department of Training and Workforce Development and the State Training Board presented the WA Training Awards.
Each winner received $5000 and Mrs Goodfellow will compete in the Australian Training Awards in Canberra this November.
WA Training Award winners
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student of the year: Kim Dick WA apprentice of the year: Jamie Stewart WA cultural diversity training award: Esfandiar Shahmir WA international student of the year: Rui Scheidt-Feix WA school-based apprentice of the year: Benjamin Rowe WA trainee of the year: Claire McLeary WA trainer of the year: Jane Goodfellow WA vocational student of the year: Kyle Morgan WA small training provider of the year: Auswest Specialist Education and Training Services WA large training provider of the year: North Regional TAFE WA employer of the year: McDonald’s Australia WA industry collaboration award: MPA Skills
MORE: Former Docker Schloithe wins Sandover Medal
MORE: Elderly woman killed in Dianella in day of road carnage
MORE: City of Subiaco chief excited by Lions’ trip to WAFL grand final