REDLANDS early childhood teacher Sheena Hewlett has been named among the top teachers in the country, winning a National Excellence in Teaching Award.
Ms Hewlett, who works at the Bethlehem Lutheran C&K Kindergarten at Woongoolba,was chosen from thousands of hopeful educators from kindergarten to university professors.
Sheena said taking her children on a hands-on learning journey resulted in meaningful, reciprocal partnerships leading to amazing learning outcomes for her students.
“I am beyond thrilled and humbled to receive such a prestigious national award,” she said. “My work with children is very rewarding and this award is the icing on the cake.”
Sheena has taught in several schools across Redlands over many years.
World Teachers Day is this Friday, with a special presentation to be held at the Redland Bay Golf Course by the Australian Scholarships Group which runs the National Excellence In Teaching Awards..
Ms Hewlett said that as a grade three pupil, the presentation of an “apple from the teacher” award helped her get through the most difficult time in her young life.
One teacher’s concern shaped her career and has had a profound and lifelong impact on her interactions with students.
The award said Sheena was constantly reflecting on her teaching and implementing techniques and strategies.
She encourages children to establish their own goals for learning and has introduced catalogues, listing photos of the kindergarten equipment inventory, so children can choose resources to empower their engagement.
“Sheena’s pedagogy is about every child feeling valued and empowered and assessments and attendance records reflect outstanding results and high attendance rates,” it said.
“She creates a home-like atmosphere, fostering a sense of security and inclusiveness.
“Sheena believes that by being a positive role model to her students, through sharing her own volunteer endeavours, she inspires and encourages them to do more and be more.”
The award comes as research is released that shows skilled educators are the most important ingredient in achieving quality early childhood education and care but many early childhood educators do not receive sufficient training or support.
Dr Charlene Smith from the Mitchell Institute at Victoria University found that quality was lagging in key education areas and improving teaching should be a priority.
She said early childhood educators needed better training.
“We know that early education changes lives and is particularly transformative for disadvantaged children but it is only effective if it is of sufficient quality to impact their development,” Dr Smith said.
“Governments have invested significantly to help more children access early learning and improve affordability but there will be no return on that investment unless children attend high quality services.”
