The Northern Territory Government has celebrated the work of classroom teachers, specialist teachers, early childhood educators, principals, leaders and support staff at World Teacher’s Day events across the Territory.
Territory wide World Teachers’ Day Award events, coinciding with World Teachers’ Day on 30 October, brought school communities from all over the Territory together, with Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, attending the celebrations in Darwin and Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey attending celebrations in Alice Springs on Saturday.
Highlighting the impact and dedication of education professionals working in schools and corporate services throughout the Territory, a record 604 nominations across nine World Teacher’s Day Award categories were received.
“The World Teacher’s Day Awards shine a light on the difference our classroom teachers, early childhood educators, school leaders and support staff make every day,” Minister Hersey said.
“Our education staff go above and beyond to support students, families and communities across the Territory.
“Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees. Thank you to our Territory Teachers for delivering quality education that our children deserve no matter where they are in the Territory.”
The overall winners of the 2026 awards were named as:
Leader in Education of the Year
- Nicolle Gadd, Casuarina Street Primary School, Big Rivers Region
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educator of the Year
- Maria Raymond, Newcastle Waters School, Barkly Region
Corporate Based Support Person of the Year
- Jodianne Stanley (pictured, above), Big Rivers Corporate Office, Big Rivers Region
Early Childhood Educator of the Year
- Brooke McAllan, Gillen Primary School, Central Region
Inclusion Educator of the Year
- Bianca Tyler, Nemarluk School, Darwin Region
Primary Educator of the Year
- Rose Baartz, Driver Primary School, Top End Region
Principal of the Year
- Fathma Mauger, Larrakeyah Primary School, Darwin Region
School Based Support Person of the Year
- Sarah Robertson, Braitling Primary School, Central Region
Secondary Educator of the Year
- Darcy Crouch, Ramingining School, East Arnhem Region.
