Educators SA “Shines a Light” on South Australian Educators at the World Teachers’ Day Awards
Educators do make a difference, and a landmark event celebrating educational excellence showed just how significant their impact is across South Australia. The gala evening acknowledged the outstanding work of educators from all sectors as 74 awards were presented at the annual World Teachers’ Day Awards Night at Adelaide Oval.
“This is an exciting night that acknowledges our best and finest in the education profession,” said Lisa-Jane O’Connor, President and Chief Executive of Educators SA, hosts of the event. A major highlight was the distribution of more than $112,000 in award grants, which will allow educators across the state to continue their research into innovative educational practices.
The ceremony brought together the state’s most distinguished figures in education and government, including:
- The Hon. Lucy Hood MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Minister for Autism and Minister for the City of Adelaide
- The Hon. Heidi Girolamo MLC, Shadow Minister for Education, Training and Skills
- Leaders from Public Education, the SACE Board, the Teachers Registration Board, the Education Standards Board, as well as the Independent and Catholic sectors
- Representatives from major educator associations, unions, and key business partners including Credit Union SA and Calm Wealth
Minister Hood opened the evening by presenting 50 Association Awards, underscoring the government’s appreciation for the awardees’ dedication and expressing her gratitude for the vital work professional educator associations do alongside their daily teaching roles.
Awards such as Innovation and Excellence, History Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Service and Commitment, Wellbeing Leader of the Year, and Outstanding Lifetime Contribution highlighted the immense diversity of contributions educators make to the learning lives of children and young people across the state.
This was followed by the presentation of the prestigious Minister’s Awards for the Catholic, Independent, and Public Education sectors. These awards honour educators who demonstrate creativity, innovation, and a passion for enriching student experiences. Previous recipients shared the powerful impact these awards have had on their professional practice and learners. The 2026 awardees now look forward to sharing their knowledge and inspiring fresh ideas across South Australia.
Anne Dunstan, Chief Executive of the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA), brought the evening to a rousing close with her “Toast to the Profession.” The night was an outstanding tribute to the enduring influence and impact South Australia’s educators have on the future of the state.
