Aidan Curtis
A PASSION for student wellbeing is turning heads in the education space as a Mount Gambier teacher gets named a finalist in this year’s Public Education Awards.
One of Gordon Education Centre’s special education teachers, Ashleigh Calleja, has been named a finalist for the 2022 Inclusive Teacher of the Year (Disability) Award.
Ms Calleja was nominated by colleagues for her drive in giving all students a voice, her focus on student wellbeing and dignity, and her continuous support for those around her.
She said the last two weeks have been a bit much as she does not normally enjoy being in the spotlight, but she is grateful to be recognised.
“It feels very lovely to feel acknowledged, and it’s just an overwhelming experience,” she said.
Ms Calleja said she wanted to be a special education teacher for as long as she can remember, which is why she has such a drive to support her students.
“I’m passionate about inclusion, I’m passionate about people with disabilities living as independently as possible and having the best quality of life,” she said.
“In the classroom, one of my biggest passions is communications and student wellbeing.
“I’ve been very lucky in my positions here that I’ve been able to learn about communication and have been given lots of opportunities to implement best practices.”
She said she would not be able to do what she does without the team around her, nor the great students she gets to work with every day.
“I’m very lucky, I work with a team of co-educators that are as equally passionate as me and we’ve been able to create a really fantastic space for that learning to occur,” she said.
“Some of the most influential people in my career have actually been my students.
“I feel very honoured to be able to work with the students that we have here, and am very thankful that their families give us the opportunity to help them grow and develop.”
Ms Calleja was also recognised for some of what she has done outside the classroom, most notably helping children’s music group Teeny Tiny Stevies write an inclusive song called “Abilities”.
The song explores learning in different ways and features children with a range of disabilities that any child could recognise themselves in.
“I was very motivated to really push for our children to be seen in mainstream media, for them to be celebrated for all the amazing things they can do, even if it’s different,” Ms Calleja said.
“They emailed me with the demo, the lyrics and what it might sound like, and asked that I could just check all the right terminology was being used.
“Very emotional and very thankful they took the time to create something that would support all people with disabilities.”
Public Education Awards winners will be announced on Friday, November 4.
