First-year teacher recognised for excellence

GEELONG High School teacher Tessa Kirk’s 2020 VCE Theatre Studies students achieved the best results the school had recorded for many years, despite the disruption of COVID-19 and online classes.

Ms Kirk’s amazing work in her first year of teaching has been recognised statewide, as a finalist in Outstanding Early Career Secondary Teacher category of the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

The category recognises effective and innovative teachers in the first five years of their teaching career who have demonstrated excellence in teaching practice at a Victorian government secondary school and have made a significant contribution to improving student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing.

Ms Kirk is described by her colleagues as “a truly exceptional teacher”.

“In just one year, Theatre Studies teacher Tessa Kirk has improved VCE outcomes in the subject to the best they have ever been, run the school production, developed an exemplary digital curriculum resource, built deep and resonant relationships with students, staff and local networks, created inspiring extra-curricular opportunity and success, and more – all in a year of restrictions and remote learning,” her award nomination says.

“Tessa’s passionate investment in the work of teaching and learning, both within the school and outside it, bring professionalism, balance and positivity to everything she does.

“Driving a new school initiative to improve young women’s voice, agency and leadership in class, school and community, Tessa demonstrates her growing impact upon improved student outcomes.

“Working with local schools, she is co-creating community initiatives such as the regional forum for girls, Be Bold Be Heard, making a real difference for young women in her region.”

Geelong High principal Glenn Davey said taking on a VCE subject in your first year of teaching was an indication of Tessa’s ability.

“She’s started her career in a blaze of glory and her VCE students are likely to gain great results again this year,” Glenn said.

“We’ve spent a lot of time in lockdown and it’s even more challenging teaching performance subjects under those circumstances.

“Tessa has built beautiful relationships and her learning and wellbeing support for the students is exceptional,” he said.

“She has also been well-mentored and supported at the school, and she’s headed for a very bright future.”

Award winners will be announced this month.