Passionate teacher, Troy Everett, has won the NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship at a gala event at The Mint, in Sydney, acknowledging his initiative and dedication.

Mr Everett is head teacher of bricklaying at TAFE NSW Moruya, Wollongong, Queanbeyan and Albury.

He impressed judges with his research proposal to promote skills excellence in training as well as increase support for students who are weak in literacy and numeracy.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Kerry Penton, said this was a wonderful achievement for Troy and one that would benefit TAFE NSW students across the region.

“The Premier’s scholarship program enables NSW teachers from government and non-government schools and TAFE NSW to undertake a five-week international study tour, visiting some of the world’s best institutions and centres of learning to consult experts and observe exemplary practices related to a specific aspect of their curriculum,” Ms Penton said.

“Mr Everett is committed to his students and the scholarship will enable him to be at the forefront of new and better ways to teach ultimately benefiting his staff to help prepare TAFE NSW students for their employment future.”

Mr Everett said that he planned to travel to London, Derby and York in the UK to expand on and update his previous award-winning research into literacy and numeracy barriers for apprentices in the bricklaying and construction industry.

“I will be exposed to different methods and approaches to teaching these subject areas. These insights will provide a good basis for a comparison as well as identify effective services.

“I know they have very good practices in the UK but I want to see if it comes down to good section level practice, or political structures.

“I just want to challenge my thinking, broaden my thinking and possibly broaden our practice in Australia.”