On 27 August, hundreds of Australia’s education elite from across the country will converge in Sydney for the fourth annual Australian Education Awards.
The tireless work of the schools and individuals making their mark in the sector will be recognised across 28 categories, including Best Remote Learning Program, Best Use of Technology and Innovation in Curriculum Design.
However, there will also be national awards up for grabs, namely, TES Australian School of the Year and Australian Principal of the Year, which is being sponsored by anzuk Education, which will be the official sponsor of the Awards.
Founded in 2004, the company initially sourced teachers from Australia and New Zealand to work in the UK before expanding to the United States and Canada. Since then, the company has been placing exceptional teachers in vibrant education settings around the world, helping educators find their ‘right fit’ staff.
Below, The Educator speaks to Simon Withers, NSW State Manager, about why anzuk Education has chosen to partner with The Educator, the Award sponsorship and what the company has in the pipeline for Australian education.
TE: Why has anzuk Education chosen to partner with The Educator for the Australian Education Awards 2021?
SW: This is the first year anzuk Education have sponsored the Australian Education Awards. We see the importance of an event like this to acknowledge the dedication and contribution that our schools and leaders provide within Education. anzuk Education aim to provide exceptional experiences within schools every day, keeping up to date with current trends and what professional development is occurring, helps allow us to provide career guidance and pathways for educators at every stage of their career.
TE: In what ways do you believe events like this are important for the Australian education sector?
SW: We believe we have a responsibility to provide support and opportunities to improve outcomes for students and families, and a key part of this is professional development and growth of educators. Events such as these provide awareness for the education profession, they provide teachers with the opportunity to collaborate and network, ultimately supporting and building teacher efficacy, capacity and impact.
TE: Can you tell us why anzuk Education has chosen to sponsor the Australian School Principal of the Year Award?
SW: A key component of any thriving community is its leader. Principals have the ultimate responsibility and accountability to set the culture and expectations of a school community and with the support of the team around them, deliver upon those expectations. When we are motivated and inspired by great leaders and principals, we grow, our colleagues grow, students and families grow. anzuk Education value our relationships with all educators, and often those that are progressing into Principal roles we have shared part of their career journey. This is rewarding privilege as we understand the long-term impact a leader is going to have on the school and community.
TE: What will anzuk Education be doing in the year ahead to build on the great work it is doing in Australian education? (any new initiatives/programs in the pipeline?)
SW: We never underestimate the importance and impact we have in education. Our role is twofold;
a.) Support Schools and Boards with their staffing and recruitment needs. We have dedicated teams delivering specific requirements across casual relief, contract and permanent placements and executive search engagements.
b.) Secondly, we specialise in providing career guidance and pathways for educators at every stage of their career journey, from graduates to principals. We value our relationships with educators and schools and the alignment of the right educator with the right school is always our priority. We pride ourselves on this alignment, ensuring we maximise educational outcomes for students, in the classroom, every day.