A secondary school teacher fostering cultural inclusion on the sports field, a principal driving education in the jobs of tomorrow and a primary school leading the way in student wellbeing are among the finalists acknowledged by the Victorian Government in this year’s Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

Minister for Education James Merlino today congratulated the 41 finalists announced across 14 award categories.

The awards recognise inspirational teachers, principals and education support staff who improve schools and support children and young people.

The 2020 finalists have delivered high quality teaching practices and the best learning conditions to equip their students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to become lifelong learners.

They include:

• Joshua Godwin, Officer Secondary College team for his efforts in fostering cultural inclusion in physical education, including the introduction of the Aboriginal game Buroinjin into the curriculum.
• Jill Laughlin, Camberwell High School principal for her work in becoming a STEM school leader in one of three P-TECH (Pathways in Technology) schools in Victoria, specialising in cybersecurity.
• Kangaroo Flat Primary School for its innovative ‘Every face has a place’ program, which helps children to thrive emotionally as well as academically.

Winners in all categories are awarded professional development grants of up to $25,000 to support their work in schools. 

Victoria’s top public education prize, the Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education will also be awarded to one of the category winners. The award includes a further $20,000 grant.

The Victorian Government is building the Education State where every student can access a great local school and get a great education, which involves having great teachers at the forefront of our classrooms to help young people thrive.

That’s why the Victorian Education Excellence Award winners will receive grants to undertake professional development and learning, to ensure our teachers are well supported to lead great careers in the Education State.

Winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on Friday, November 20. 

More information about the awards and finalists is available at www.education.vic.gov.au/veea