World Teachers' Day 2026
Every year, World Teachers’ Day provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution teachers make to the lives of students, their communities and the future of our society. We join schools, education organisations and communities across South Australia in acknowledging the dedication, expertise and commitment of the teaching profession.
Teachers play a vital role in inspiring learning, nurturing confidence and helping young people achieve their potential. Their work extends far beyond the classroom, shaping future generations and making a lasting impact on communities across the state.
Recently, the Board hosted our Annual Awards Ceremony at the historic Adelaide Town Hall, recognising just a few of those outstanding achievements and contributions of teachers and education professionals from across South Australia.
The event brought together nominees, award recipients, Board members and TRB staff to celebrate the dedication, professionalism and positive impact these educators have on students, schools and communities. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work being undertaken throughout the profession and to honour those who consistently demonstrate excellence.
We congratulate all the award recipients and nominees and are excited to shine a light on some of their achievements, along with their commitment to education, leadership and lifelong learning that continues to inspire and strengthens the teaching profession in South Australia.
Meet our winners below.
2026 Teachers Registration Board Distinguished Early Childhood Teacher Service Award recipient:
Winner - Mary Scales
Mary with TRB Deputy Presiding Member, Susan Boucher
Over more than 30 years, Mary Scales has made an outstanding contribution to early childhood education in South Australia through teaching, leadership, professional learning and advocacy. Beginning her career as a kindergarten teacher and spending more than three decades with Gowrie SA, Mary has dedicated her career to strengthening educational outcomes for young children while building the capability of educators and leaders across the sector. Her work is widely recognised for connecting contemporary research, policy and theory with practical classroom and service-based practice.
A passionate advocate for professional growth, Mary has played a significant role in mentoring and developing early childhood educators throughout their careers. As Professional Learning Program Leader at Gowrie SA, she has supported teachers, educational leaders and service directors in areas including curriculum, pedagogy, leadership, critical reflection and teacher registration. Through mentoring and professional learning, she has helped early career teachers build confidence, strengthen their professional identity and successfully transition from provisional to full teacher registration.
Mary is also recognised for her longstanding commitment to reconciliation and culturally responsive practice. As a leader in Gowrie SA’s reconciliation journey, she has worked alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, Elders and community members to deepen educators’ understanding of Country, culture and respectful community engagement. Her work has encouraged educators to move beyond symbolic gestures and embrace reconciliation as an ongoing professional responsibility grounded in relationships, reflection and meaningful action.
Through her leadership of major projects, research contributions, publications and conference presentations, Mary’s influence extends far beyond individual programs or classrooms. Her enduring legacy lies in empowering others, fostering a culture of inquiry and collaboration, and strengthening the early childhood profession across South Australia. Her commitment to children’s rights, quality education and professional excellence continues to shape and inspire the sector.
Congratulations Mary!
2026 Minister’s Graduate Achievement Award recipient:
Winner - Alysha Herrmann
Alysha with Minister Chris Picton
Alysha Herrmann is an emerging secondary educator whose dedication, resilience and commitment to learning have distinguished her among South Australia’s newest teachers.
Currently completing a Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Leading Learning) through Australian Catholic University as a Teach for Australia Associate, Alysha began teaching at Peterborough High School in 2025 and plans to register fully with the Teachers Registration Board South Australia upon graduating in November 2026.
As the 2026 winner of the Minister’s Graduate Achievement Award, Alysha has been recognised not only for her academic and professional achievements, but also for her perseverance in overcoming significant challenges during her teacher education journey. The award celebrates pre-service teachers who demonstrate resilience, professional growth and a strong commitment to the teaching profession.
Throughout her studies and early teaching experience, Alysha has demonstrated a desire to make a meaningful contribution to education and to continually develop her practice. Her nomination highlights her commitment to applying key learnings from her degree, contributing positively to school communities and building the skills needed to support student success.
As she prepares to enter the profession as a graduate teacher, Alysha represents the next generation of educators whose determination, reflective practice and passion for teaching will make a lasting impact on students and schools across South Australia.
Congratulations Alysha!
2026 Teachers Registration Board Distinguished Secondary Teacher Service Award recipient:
Winner - Mary Henry-Davies
Mary with TRB Presiding Member, Carolyn Grantskalns
For 27 years, Mary Henry-Davies has made an exceptional contribution to education through her work at Bowden Brompton Community School, where she has transformed the lives of young people facing significant trauma, complex learning needs and barriers to engagement. Renowned for her expertise in wellbeing, literacy, specialised education and trauma-informed practice, Mary creates safe, nurturing learning environments that empower students to rebuild confidence, develop resilience and achieve success both academically and personally.
A passionate and innovative educator, Mary has used programs in Food & Hospitality, English and Life Skills to help students develop practical skills, emotional regulation and a sense of purpose. Her unique approach combines evidence-based teaching with real-world learning experiences, encouraging even the most disengaged students to reconnect with education. Through meaningful relationships with students and families, she has helped countless young people overcome challenges and realise potential they once believed was out of reach.
Beyond the classroom, Mary has played a significant leadership role across her school community. She has led wellbeing initiatives, established specialised intervention programs, contributed to policy development, implemented literacy improvement strategies and built partnerships with community organisations that enrich student learning. Widely respected by colleagues, she is also a dedicated mentor who generously shares her expertise and supports the professional growth of new and experienced teachers alike.
Mary’s impact extends far beyond individual students or programs. Through her unwavering commitment to equity, wellbeing and educational excellence, she has strengthened school culture, improved outcomes for vulnerable learners and helped shape the next generation of educators. Her compassion, professionalism and enduring dedication have made a lasting difference to countless lives, exemplifying the qualities recognised through the Teachers Registration Board Distinguished Secondary Teacher Service Award.
Congratulations Mary!
Sharing Teacher Knowledge
Shining a light on teachers is also about hearing from experienced teachers with knowledge to share. We thank deputy Board member, Stephen Tsiaprakis who took time out to share with us some of his knowledge from his many years in the classroom.
