A Noosa teacher has been celebrated and praised for his dedication while receiving a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA).
The award has been presented to teacher Chris Mundey, who has been a member of the Good Shepherd College community since 2020.
Good Shepherd principal Anthony Dyer said, “At Good Shepherd we strive to make a difference, help and motivate students to thrive in varied and innovative ways.”
“We understand that while education changes lives, it is our teachers, such as Chris Mundey, who can transform students’ futures.”
The National Excellence in Teaching Award, the only nationwide teaching award in Australia and New Zealand, is a community centred awards program to honour exemplary teachers in Australia and New Zealand. Twelve primary and secondary school teachers are selected in Australia, and four in New Zealand.
Mr Mundey was successful against thousands of other teachers and received an Apple Award, which acknowledges outstanding teachers who’ve gone above and beyond for their students. Winners also receive a $5,000 professional development grant.
The local teacher said his nomination came as a huge surprise.
“I had to submit answers to five questions, conduct an online formal interview and then just wait,” he said.
“I was really honoured to receive the award.
“It was a wonderful acknowledgement of the importance of teachers and the direct influence we have on the lives of our students, especially considering the unprecedented times we are still going through.”
Mr Mundey understands the challenges students face and is passionate about guiding them and encouraging them achieve to their potential.
The NEiTA judging panel commented that, “the challenges of the pandemic have pulled the curtain back and the reality of the depth, difficulty and complexity of teachers’ work exposed. So, this year, this celebration and recognition is even more important.”
The panel confirmed that “this year’s winners have each shown great passion for education and an ability to enthuse others. It’s not only the students who benefit, their colleagues and the entire school community do too.”
With the current school year off to a good start, it’s hoped that the path forward will have fewer hurdles to jump over than in the past couple of years and students can enjoy the high-quality education that they deserve.
