Zoe Moffatt
Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School teacher Andrew Vella is reaching new heights, after being named a finalist in the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
The awards recognises teachers, principals, business managers, support staff and schools for the valuable work they do to improve schools and help students achieve their best.
Mr Vella is a finalist for the outstanding secondary teacher award, and is celebrated for his work as the wellbeing learning specialist, creating a positive and respectful learning environment.
“To be honest [I feel] pretty humbled, you just go around and do your job to the best you can,” he said.
“The whole process has been really nice to stop and reflect. [I’m] really excited, being noticed for the way we differentiate the learning and the way we teach students in a one to one manner.
“One-to-one teaching is really important, and understanding that micro teaching and the macro impact that it can have over time, that has been really reflective.”
Mr Vella, who has been teaching in special education since 2001, said this way of teaching connects him more with the students and the community.
“I think for me it’s all about that rapport, anyone in life is going to learn from or listen to someone they find they connect with.
“When we know what gets students focused and what motivates them we can get them more engaged and that elevates their learning.
“That really motivates me, because I know they’ll take those skills and use them across their life.”
In leading curriculum development, Mr Vella has embedded the department’s resilience, rights and respectful relationships learning materials into the content and experience of students’ learning.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said kids in Macedon are getting the direct benefits.
“Inspirational teachers and schools [are] creating meaningful learning opportunities to help our students shine,” she said.
Professional learning grants of $20,000 are available for each individual award and $25,000 for each team award. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, October 27.
