LOXTON High School agriculture teacher Justine Fogden is among 10 educators to receive top gongs at the SA Public Education Awards on Friday night.
Mrs Fogden was awarded Secondary Teacher of the Year after establishing herself as a leader in agriculture teaching in the past 20 years.
Combining innovative teaching practice with an ever-expanding network of industry contacts, her students have entrepreneurial mindsets, job-ready skills and a myriad of opportunities to take advantage of them.
A system-wide thinker, her work includes mentoring beginning agriculture teachers and membership of the writing panel for the SACE agriculture course.
Earlier this year, she was also recognised for her contribution to the industry, being named winner of the Agricultural Teachers Association of SA's award for excellence.
Also among Friday night's winners were Tintinara Area School year 6/7 teacher Karen Schilling, who won the Primary Teacher of the Year; Westport Primary School and Preschool principal Rebecca Huddy, who won the Teachers Health Leadership Award; Port Augusta Children's Centre early childhood worker Rachel Amos won the Aunty Josie Agius Award; Nuriootpa High School facilities and grounds' Trent Heneker with the School and Preschool Support Award; Glenelg Primary School year 1 teacher Sharnie Jamieson for the Early Years Teacher of the Year; Flinders Park education office Social Work Incident Support Service got the system excellence award; Kilparrin Teaching and Assessment School and Services' Lucy Standish received the community engagement award; Prospect North Primary School's student as agents of change was given the Innovation in Practice Award; while Water Safety Program instructor in charge Janet Hughes won the performance through values award.
Each receives $10,000, while the 20 runners-up receive $2000 to go towards professional development.
Education Minister John Gardner congratulated all the educators who were shortlisted on their exceptional work.
"These individuals and teams are exemplary of the great work happening within SA's education system," he said.
"The people that have been recognised in this year's program have made a significant contribution to improving the education outcomes of children and young people across the state.
"Through the Public Education Awards program, we proudly share their achievements with the community and highlight the innovation, passion and expertise they bring to their role, whether it be in a school, preschool, children's centre or office."
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