Angela’s passion for professional development and her leadership of the School’s HALT and Early Career Teacher programs have significantly contributed to Westminster’s reputation as a leader in education.
Angela’s dedication was recently recognised on the international stage at the 2024 National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA), where she received the Leadership Award. NEiTA is the longest-running community-based awards program celebrating teaching excellence across Australia and New Zealand. Angela was one of just 11 educators honoured this year and one of only two recipients from South Australia.
At the heart of Angela’s work is Westminster’s HALT Program, which supports teachers seeking Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher certification. Managed nationally by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), HALT accreditation acknowledges educators who demonstrate expertise and leadership in their practice. The program encourages professional growth through evidence-based teaching, feedback from peers and students, and reflective practices.
Angela became Westminster’s first certified Lead Teacher in 2019 and has since co-led the South Australian HALT Network, a cross-sector initiative that supports teacher development. She has played a key role in embedding the HALT program at Westminster, ensuring that educators have access to opportunities for professional learning and leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, Angela has described the certification process as transformative: “I was the first teacher to become certified as HALT at Westminster School.”
I can honestly say it was the most impactful professional learning I’ve ever undertaken.
“Becoming a certified Lead Teacher has certainly changed me for the better as an educator. I am always eager to see the impact of what we do within the School, seeking feedback at every turn and striving to improve. This journey has led me to examine my own unconscious biases and become much more reflective and vulnerable.”
Angela’s work has helped build a strong culture of collaboration and growth among Westminster educators. Currently, the School has 16 staff certified as HALTs, with four awaiting assessment and more than 15 others working towards certification.
Westminster Principal Simon Shepherd, who won the NEiTA Leadership Award in 2023, has acknowledged the value of Angela’s contributions and the impact of the HALT program on the School.
“Our HALTs set the benchmark for excellence in the classroom, serve as in-house experts in pedagogy, and act as mentors, supporting colleagues at every stage of their teaching journey. They have also been integral to initiatives like the Westminster Teaching School Hub, helping trainee teachers become classroom-ready.
“At Westminster, all staff are supported to be the best teachers they can be through a culture of continuous growth where we are always looking to improve. We are very proud of Angela for her award win and deeply value the growth and positive impact she brings to our educators.”
The NEiTA award is a significant recognition of Angela’s leadership and the strength of Westminster’s professional learning initiatives. Her work ensures that Westminster educators are continually supported to achieve their best, further enhancing the School’s commitment to excellence in teaching.
Westminster School, an Early Learning to Year 12 coeducational day and boarding school, remains dedicated to helping all students and staff achieve more than they thought possible. Through programs like HALT, the School continues to inspire a culture of adventurous education and professional growth.
More information:
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter
