Cherrybrook teacher receives high award for her work

CHERRYBROOK teacher Stephanie Salazar has been crowned NSW’s best young teacher for 2018.

Originally published on Daily Telegraph by Gary Hamilton-Irvine

John Purchase Public School teacher Stephanie Salazar has won a top award. Picture: Julian Andrews

CHERRYBROOK teacher Stephanie Salazar has been crowned NSW’s best young teacher for 2018.

The Young Professional Award is reserved for the best teacher in the state who has been in the profession for under seven years, awarded each year by the Australian College of Educators NSW.

Mrs Salazar, the assistant principal at John Purchase Public School in Cherrybrook, received the award last Friday during a ceremony.

teacher Stephanie Salazar

She said she was overwhelmed by the accolade and couldn’t see herself doing anything other than teaching.

“My family has a history in education. Both my grandmothers were teachers and I loved primary school — it was my happy place.

“I can’t envision doing anything else.”

She has been teaching at John Purchase Public for the past five years — her first permanent job out of university — and she moved into the role of assistant principal this year.

Mrs Salazar next to students Misha Hossain, 9, and Kieran Holland, 10.

That has seen her not only teach students but also take on a coaching role with new teachers at the school.

Mrs Salazar has also started a nationwide support network which helps new teachers, called New Teacher Tribe.

“I collaborate with educators to co-ordinate free events specifically for new teachers.

“While teaching is a highly rewarding career it is multifaceted and can be challenging, especially when you’re starting out.”

Mrs Salazar became assistant principal at John Purchase Public School this year.

Australian College of Educators chief executive Helen Jentz said it was teachers like Mrs Salazar that made students want to learn.

“Stephanie’s passion for education is infectious,” she said.

“Her nationwide initiative, New Teacher Tribe, is also supporting hundreds of new teachers during the sometimes difficult transition from university to the classroom.”