TAFE teacher takes state title

A FEDERATION University staff member has been crowned the best TAFE teacher in Victoria.

Federation TAFE information technology teacher Dr Adam Bignold has been named both the Teacher/Trainer of the Year and People’s Choice winner at the 70th Victorian Training Awards.

Taking home both accolades during a gala event at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre late last month, Dr Bignold said he was privileged to take the top nod.

“I am deeply honoured to accept the VTA Teacher of the Year award,” he said.

“This award represents what can be achieved when we focus on the needs of every learner and foster environments that are inclusive, innovative, and inspiring.

“Thank you to all my students and colleagues at Federation TAFE for your ongoing support.”

Dr Bignold was one of 15 winners amongst 40 finalists.

He was nominated for Teacher/Trainer of the Year due to making the institution’s Certificate IV in Cyber Security more accessible for neurodiverse and mature age students, and doubling Federation TAFE’s cybersecurity female student intake.

Dr Bignold has been awarded $5000 in prize money for the top honour as well as a laptop valued at more than $2000 for his People’s Choice Award win.

He will represent Victoria in the Australian Training Awards with winners to announced at an event in Canberra in December.

Federation University Australia provost and chief executive for TAFE, Liam Sloan congratulated Dr Bignold on his achievements.

“Adam is very deserving of this award which is an endorsement of his talent, dedication to his students’ success, and passion for teaching,” he said.

“Adam’s work to meet the needs of his neurodiverse students is indicative of Federation TAFE’s commitment to becoming the number one TAFE in Victoria by providing our students with the best possible learning, an innovative approach to training delivery, and the commitment of our teachers to be the best in their field.”