AMount Gambier teacher is among the finalists for the 2022 Public Education Awards, announced last week.

Local Special Education teacher Ashleigh Calleja, from Gordon Education Centre, is a finalist in Inclusive Teacher of the Year (Disability) Award category

Ms Calleja works with a variety of students with a range of abilities, each requiring a different level of support.

She continually researches different approaches, with a constant focus on student wellbeing and dignity, to ensure every student can participate in their learning to the best of their ability.

Her exceptional rapport with her students means they’re highly engaged and make steady progress in all areas of their development.

Ms Calleja regularly shares her learning and often mentors other staff.

Her advocacy for her students goes above and beyond the classroom.

As part of her efforts, she reached out to children’s music group, ‘Teeny Tiny Stevies’, with ideas for songs to include children with disability.

The group now has a song called ‘Abilities’ which touches on children learning in different ways and features children with autism, deafness, vision impairment, and who use wheelchairs.

Ms Calleja uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices to empower student voice and create a learning environment where students feelings and ideas are always acknowledged, and they feel respected and heard.

The 2022 Public Education Awards showcase the significant contribution made by people working across the public education system in South Australia.

Across 10 categories, the awards recognise both individuals and teams who showcase excellence, innovation and a commitment to teaching and learning.

Their achievements range from designing engaging learning experiences and working with the community, through to implementing digital technologies to deliver enhanced teaching and learning.

Winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on November 4, with the winner of each category receiving $10,000 and two finalists for each category will receive $2000 to undertake professional learning or purchase resources for their school community.