04 September 2026
Education assistants across nine WA schools have been recognised through the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year.
The Comet Bay Primary School support team was named the state team finalist.
The awards recognise the dedication of education assistants (also called teacher aides) across Australia, who support and foster student learning and wellbeing.
The winners were announced this week as part of Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week.
While no WA schools were crowned a winner, being named a finalist honours the outstanding work being done by Western Australian education assistants.
Among the finalists was the special needs education assistant team from Comet Bay Primary School. The team was recognised as the state finalist for the Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year award for their positive impact on students, their learning and wellbeing.
They use evidence-informed interventions and inclusive support to strengthen student engagement, emotional regulation, social skills and belonging. The team also developed a Year 2 to 6 Outdoor Engagement Program to help students develop communication, teamwork, resilience and conflict resolution skills.
Comet Bay deputy principal Joanne Hanson said they are extremely proud that the team was named the state finalist and recognised at a national level.
“Being named a finalist acknowledges not only the programs and practices the team has developed, but also their professionalism, initiative, teamwork and genuine commitment to improving outcomes for our students,” Ms Hanson said.
“Their work has strengthened the capacity of all of us to better respond to the diverse needs of our students.”
Laura Bray was named the individual state finalist. Photo: Australian Teacher Aide.
Laura Bray from East Kimberley College was named the state finalist for the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
Ms Bray is a lead special needs education assistant and was nominated by the primary learning support teacher, Matild Kehl, for her significant impact on student learning.
Ms Bray provides consistent support that builds communication, regulation, independence and meaningful access to school.
“Laura doesn’t simply supervise a student through the day,” said Ms Kehl.
“She creates the conditions in which the student can be safely present, understood, regulated and engaged as a learner.”
2026 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year nominees
- Comet Bay Primary School support team (state finalist)
- Beldon Education Support Centre support team (highly commended)
- Secret Harbour Primary School support team
2026 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year nominees
- Laura Bray, East Kimberley College (state finalist)
- Catherine Allsopp, Vasse Primary School (highly commended)
- Wendy Broun, Kelmscott Senior High School (highly commended)
- Frances Pearse, Carine Senior High School (highly commended)
- Lucinda Devlin, Coastal Lakes College
- Maree Gardiner, Collier Primary School
- Jenniffer Nicholls, Kelmscott Senior High School
Learn more about the awards through the Australian Teacher Aide website.