Individuals and teams across the state have been recognised for excellence and innovation in their work in public education as the winners of this year’s Public Education Awards were announced.

The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding practice of Department for Education staff and their contributions to education.

The awards were presented on Friday night (1 November) at a ceremony that highlighted the winners’ development of learner agency, equity, inclusion, reconciliation and wellbeing.

Department for Education Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell said I firmly believe that the educators in South Australia’s public schools and preschools are among the best in the country.

“Not only do they help students achieve high levels of excellence in learning, they often go the extra mile to make a huge difference in the lives of children and their families”.

“Many of them deserve awards for what they do every day, with the award nominees, finalists and winners giving us a snapshot of this excellence”.

“The categories of the Public Education Awards have been carefully chosen to reflect aspects of education we value highly, celebrating excellence and equity underpinned by learner wellbeing and agency, through the collaboration, leadership and innovation demonstrated by our workforce”.

“I am proud to lead a system that can boast educators such as the 2024 Public Education Award nominees and winners”.

As well as announcing the winners at the gala event, it was announced that a new award will be introduced to the 2025 program which will recognise a parent or family member who advocates and builds relationships that enhance community engagement and supports learners.

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. The winners receive $10,000 for professional development or to purchase resources for their site.

To learn more about our finalists and winners and their inspiring contributions to public education in South Australia visit Public Education Awards winners and finalists 2024.