Two WA educators among national teaching award winners

Two WA public school teachers have been recognised as being among the most inspiring in the country.

Stephanie Le Lievre, Principal of Serpentine Primary School, and Eric Dawud, Health and Physical Education teacher at Hedland Senior High School, were recently announced among the winners in the 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards. 

Presented by Schools Plus, these prestigious awards celebrate exceptional educators from across Australia who are making a meaningful impact on the lives of students and their school communities.  

“The Teaching Awards Alumni are inspiring teachers and school leaders who exemplify how education can transform children’s lives, creating brighter opportunities for all young Australians,” is how they are introduced on the Schools Plus website. 

Recipients receive funding to support their work, along with professional development opportunities to further enhance their careers. 

Eric received the Early Career Teaching Scholarship, for his work in developing inspirational initiatives to enhance student wellbeing and engagement, both within his school and the community.  

He said that he is inspired by seeing the positive impacts of the initiatives he leads. 

“Seeing it unfold in action and how it has such a positive effect on our students and more broadly our school culture is what motivates me every single day,” he said.  

“I don’t do what I do for an award or for recognition, I do it because I care about improving student outcomes and supporting our community. To receive such an amazing award is something I am so grateful for, and I am so excited for the next 12 months with the scholarship.” 

Stephanie received the Teaching Fellowship for having a significant impact on literacy for children at her school and across Western Australia. Her leadership in professional development and strategic focus on literacy led to notable improvements in NAPLAN results and literacy growth across her school in 2024. 

Stephanie said she was surprised and honoured to be announced a winner. 

“It was an honour just to be nominated, but to be selected as one of the 12 teachers and school leaders across Australia felt truly humbling. It’s a recognition I never expected, and I’m deeply grateful for it.” 

To learn more about the awards and the winners visit the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards 2024 - Australian Schools Plus website.