TESSA’S TOP OF HER CLASS, NO DRAMAS
GEELONG High School teacher Tessa Kirk has been listed among the top educators in state government schools – just two years after trading her managerial role at Bunnings for the classroom.
Ms Kirk is one of three finalists for most outstanding early career secondary teacher in the
2021 Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
“You always feel like you do your best and work hard, but it was quite humbling to be acknowledged by both the school and the Department of Education,” she said.
Ms Kirk is one of 41 principals, teachers and support teams deemed Victoria’s top educators.
Oberon Primary School principal Andrew Augerinos is also up for an award.
Along with teaching junior English, Ms Kirk is a drama and theatre studies teacher who lent her expertise to the school play, initiated a production camp and established an inter-school network helping girls find their voice and confidence.
“There was a lot of data showing that female students had lower confidence than the boys and that they felt like they didn’t have a voice,” she said.
“We ran an event called Be Bold and Be Heard in
May this year that had panels and collaborative projects with around seven other schools involved.”
Ms Kirk said that she tried to inspire students, especially those who were approaching the end of their high school education.
“Something I tell the kids all the time is that you don’t have to have a fixed path. Everything you do will support that next journey,” she said.
The region is also represented in the awards by Armstrong Creek School and Clifton Springs Primary School as finalists for the most outstanding Inclusive education for students with additional needs category.
A professional learning grant of $20,000 is awarded to each individual winner, with $25,000 to each winning team.
The winners will be announced on October 22.