Winner in her class
Teaching passion: Joanne Gaissl has won a national teaching award.
MT Dandenong Preschool director Jo Gaissl received an Australian Scholarships Group Inspirational Teaching Award last month through the National Excellence in Teaching Awards program.
Mrs Gaissl was nominated by assistants Louise Borg, Kim Judy and the preschool committee for her passion for teaching.
“She has a wonderful sense of fun and imagination that she brings to the classroom,” Mrs Borg said. “She’s very much loved and respected because she has everyone’s interests at heart.”
La Trobe MP Laura Smyth presented Mrs Gaissl – a 34-year veteran of early childhood teaching – with her award at a surprise gathering of children and families.
“The children said they knew a secret and weren’t telling me,” Mrs Gaissl said. “There are so many fantastic teachers out there; you’re in awe of the fact you have received recognition in a field of wonderful people – it’s overwhelming.”
Mrs Gaissl said she won the award for the unique environment she created for children using music, dance and creative storytelling – skills she wanted to pass on.
She is one of 60 teachers across Australia to win one of the awards. One will become the Australian representative at the International Space Camp, a US event that gives children the experience of astronaut training.
