WA Education Awards finalists, early childhood teacher Erin Russell and principal Karen Duncan.
Camera IconWA Education Awards finalists, early childhood teacher Erin Russell and principal Karen Duncan. Credit: Supplied/Elle Borgward

Stars of the classroom

Katelyn Booth, Weekend CourierWeekend Kwinana Courier

The women have both been named finalists in the prestigious WA Education Awards.

The educators are the only two finalists in the Peel District to receive a nomination for their dedication towards primary education.

Ms Duncan received a nomination in the WA Primary Principal of the Year category and Ms Russell was named a finalist for WA Premier’s Primary Teacher of the Year.

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Ms Duncan said she was very humbled to have been recognised by her staff and wider community for her role as principal.

‘Alongside my staff I, have worked extremely hard to try and change the public’s negative perception towards Medina,’ she said.

‘We have done this by getting all of our students in a school uniform, by having lots of staff development sessions, and making sure our students have great behaviour and a better attitude.

‘I’m not in this job to win awards but I am very proud of Medina and the journey this school has gone on over the past few years.

‘When a student who is struggling does well in class, or when a student comes and gives me a hug at the end of the day, that is how I measure career highlights.’

Ms Duncan has held the top job at Medina since 2010 and nominated her colleague for the award.

Ms Russell has also worked at Medina Primary since 2010 and is a foundation Year 1 teacher.

The state’s 33 finalists were announced last Friday to mark World Teacher’s Day.

Winners will be announced on December 2 at a presentation breakfast in Perth.