The finalists for the 2024 Public Education Awards showcase innovation, excellence and equity across public education in South Australia.

Announced today, the individuals and teams in 11 categories are recognised for the work they do with students, families and communities to unlock their potential, enabling them to learn and thrive.

Department for Education Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell said the awards recognise the dedication and outstanding achievements of our people in their work.

"The categories reflect the priorities in our strategy for public education and they highlight the development of learner agency, equity, inclusion, reconciliation, wellbeing and excellence and equity".

"Our educators and staff play a critical role in shaping the lives of children and young people, and their passion and expertise are invaluable. I congratulate all nominees and finalists and thank them for their contribution to public education across the state".

The finalists’ achievements range from increasing student engagement and academic outcomes to enhancing early literacy and numeracy. They are championing inclusivity, empowering early-career teachers and fostering reconciliation by integrating indigenous language into early childhood education.

Winning an award gives schools, preschools, children’s centres and central employees the opportunity to share their expertise and be recognised for their outstanding impact.

Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said once again I am delighted to announce the finalists in the Public Education Awards.

"The awards showcase the passion, creativity and excellence we see every day in the public sector".

"The incredible finalists are a testament to the amazing work our educators do in engaging students, driving academic achievement and championing diversity".

Finalists and winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on 1 November. The winner of each category will receive $10,000 and two finalists from each category will receive $2,000 for professional development or to purchase resources for their site.

The 2024 Public Education Awards finalists are:

Excellence and Equity in Education

Contextualised Learning Team, Berri Regional Secondary College

Literacy Without Barriers, Kingston Community School

‘On the Path’ of Excellence and Equity, Taparra Primary School

Innovation in Teaching and Learning

Karen Bromley, Kapunda High School

Laura Scriven, Mitcham Primary School

Natasha Paffett, Wirreanda Secondary School

Excellence in Learner Agency

Activating Learner Agency for Aboriginal Students in Port Augusta and Quorn, Port Augusta 1 Portfolio

It’s all about Lizzy: celebrating learner agency through an Exhibition of Thinking, Madge Sexton Kindergarten

Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) Team, Para Hills High School

Excellence in Collaborative Partnership

Nina Swinkels, Elizabeth Vale Primary School

Northern Adelaide State Secondary Schools Alliance

The APY Wali Nyiritjara Library Project, McLaren Flat Primary School

Inclusive Practices in Education

Cathy Cook, Marryatville Primary School

Parks Children’s Centre

Mykayla Demarco, Solomontown Kindergarten

Outstanding Safety Initiatives

Employee Psychology Services

“Escape the Vape”, Yankalilla Area School

Regulation Champions, West Lakes Shore School

Excellence in the Support of Early Career Teachers

Rose Nyaramba, Curriculum Policy and Standards, Curriculum and Learning

Rachel Dennis, Cummins Area School

Supporting Early Career Teachers to Thrive, Mount Barker 2 Portfolio

Outstanding Reconciliation Initiatives

Aboriginal Education Team, Kadina Memorial School

Adnyamathanha Language Program, Leigh Creek Area School

Fostering reconciliation, beginning with language, South East Coast and Vines Partnership

Excellence in Collective Wellbeing

Danielle Weaver, Ocean View College

Transformation towards a safe, inclusive community, Andamooka Primary School

Ultimate Unity Pastoral Care Program, Kingston Community School

Aunty Josie Agius Award

Aboriginal Education Team, Wirreanda Secondary School

Danny Martin, Port Pirie West Primary School

Yaityangka Team, Willunga High School

Excellence in Leadership

Gordon Combes, The Briars Preschool

Lynette Corletto, Naracoorte High School

Penny Tranter, Seaview High School.

Read more about the Awards and finalists for 2024 here.