It’s a BIG deal to have teachers classified as ‘Highly Accomplished/ Lead Teachers’. They need to apply and be accepted into a special program, and then prove how they excel. In the Broken Bay Diocese, there are currently only a handful of teachers who have reached this accreditation through NESA. It should come as no shock that we have not just one, but several teachers at St Mary’s who are part of the program – which is very rare and very inspiring. We want to let you know more about these extra special teachers, and kick off with a chat to our Assistant Principal, Mrs Catherine Gualtieri.
We asked her a few questions to find out more about this achievement.
Why do you love teaching so much?
I love to see children’s minds grow as they discover new things.
Tell us about this special program you are part of?
This year I have been granted a scholarship through Catholic Schools NSW and am undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Education through Australian Catholic University. This has been rewarding as I have been able to undertake research in spelling – and plan to implement this research in the future.
What does it mean to be a Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher (HA/LT)?
A Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher are teachers who have been able to measure impact not only the students they teach but the teachers and the community they are part of. In the Broken Bay Diocese, there are currently only a handful of teachers who have reached this accreditation through NESA.
What made you want to apply?
Applying for my Assistant Principal position last year allowed me to reflect on the various ways I had supported students and my previous school communities. Therefore I felt I was at the right stage to measure the impact I have not only on students but the teachers and wider school community.
It sounds like a big deal – is it hard to be accepted into the program?
Only 15 teachers were accepted by CSNSW and we are lucky to have two teachers at St Mary’s. CSBB guide and support 20 teachers a year through the two-year process.
What’s the end result?
My accreditation status will change from a Proficient Teacher to a Highly Accomplished Teacher.
Congratulations to Mrs Gualtieri!