Emmanuel Catholic College teacher claims prestigious teaching award

EMMANUEL Catholic College teacher Lee-Anne Marroccoli has taken out a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA).

She was recognised for her inspiring and innovative contribution to teaching.

She was one of 12 other educators from across the country who received the prestigious national award after being selected from around 1450 nominations in 2017.

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

Ms Marroccoli said she used student feedback to improve 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.”

She said she strived to maintain a classroom that had clear learning objectives where a sense of respect was adhered to.

“Teachers are to be a mentor and role model to young people who are very impressionable,” she said.

She was nominated by a parent who said Ms Marrocoli’s teaching style engaged even the most difficult of children.