Winners of 2024 National Excellence in Teaching Awards announced 

The winners of the 2024 National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) have been announced, including a number of early learning organisations and representatives. 

Designed to recognise ‘unseen heroes’ the awards aim to showcase the work of educators who “tirelessly commit to their students,” innovating and improving teaching and learning in Australia and New Zealand.

Award winners receive up to $10,000 in professional development grants to advance their careers, fostering opportunities to enhance their teaching methods and student learning experiences.

Following the awards ceremony recipients are invited to connect, share, and learn from fellow recipients and NEiTA alumni, creating a community of exceptional educators.

Divided into ‘Apple’ and ‘Seed’ categories, the winners of individual awards receive up to $5,000 for professional development, whilst teams receive a $10,000 grant for collaborative innovation. 

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In 2024 Stacey Booth Mollema, from Millthorpe Little Learning Centre in New South Wales was named as the winner of the Early Childhood Seed Award, KU Macquarie Fields (NSW) was the winner of the Seed Early Childhood Team Award and Sylvia Arotin, from My Montessori School, in Kellyville, NSW was named as the winner of the NEiTA Trustees’ Alumni Award

Early Childhood Seed Award

Ms Booth Mollema is known amongst her peers for her passion and leadership, mentoring her team with warmth, critical questioning, and fun, interactive learning opportunities, and was awarded for her outstanding contributions to early childhood education.  

“She enhances her colleagues’ understanding of the EYLF, regulations, and the NQF through engaging activities, like quizzes on the smartboard,” her nominations note.  

​”Stacey’s systematic approach to tracking learning outcomes and fostering professional development has significantly improved outcomes for children and families, making her a valued asset to the centre.”

​Seed Early Childhood Team Award

The  KU Macquarie Fields Preschool Team (pictured), Macquarie Fields, NSW was named as the winner of the Seed Early Childhood Team Award for their exceptional work in fostering inclusion, equity, and community engagement. 

​Serving a diverse demographic, including children with additional needs, families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those experiencing disadvantage, the team creates a welcoming, respectful environment through a unique pedagogy of hospitality.

​Drawing on research-based approaches like Circle of Security and trauma-informed practices, they work collaboratively with families and professionals to support children’s development and well-being.  

Their commitment to continual learning and community building sets a high standard for inclusive early childhood education. ​

NEiTA Trustees’ Alumni Award

Ms Arotin, winner of the NEiTA Trustees’ Alumni Award, is renowned locally, nationally, and globally for her advocacy in child education and communication.  ​

Her passion for fostering strong connections between children, educators, and parents has led to highly anticipated workshops worldwide. Sylvia founded Guide & Grow, a global social platform resource for parents and educators.  

As a Montessori preschool owner and mentor, she is known as an enthusiastic proponent of the Montessori pedagogy, sharing her expertise at conferences around the world. Known for her kindness and generosity, she is a valued leader in the education community. 

Learn more about the NEiTA Awards, and the other 2024 winners, here. 

Image credit: Paul Jeffers

Futurity / Clout PR

16 November 2024

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