Read the application guide (PDF 1.5MB) or follow the advice on this page to find out more about how to apply.

You can also listen to our recent podcast episode, Teach, which explains how to apply.

All applications require endorsement to be eligible, including those submitted on behalf of a colleague. Seek approval from your principal or director. You’ll need to include their details in your application. Applications will then proceed to the relevant education or executive director.

Review the award categories and select a category that best suits your application. Take note of the criteria listed for the category as you will need to address them throughout your application.

Evidence is one of the most important parts of your application. Our judges want to read about what difference you or your colleague made to students, colleagues, the school and the wider community.

Examples of evidence can include:

• how you have encouraged student voice and created a sense of belonging, either through listening to students voices whose are seldom heard, giving kids more discussion time to explore their ideas or allowing for creative expression
• real examples and details of lessons and their impact on learners
• practical evidence of high-quality, inspirational teaching or approaches that enthuse, engage and motivate others
• ways you’ve boosted morale outside of the class or staffroom and how you have influenced and supported others
• how you have actively involved families into their child’s learning
• how you have worked with others to help young people be safe or created strong pathways to opportunities beyond school
• quotes from students, colleagues, staff, parents and local community voices
• additional opportunities you created for children (for example, extracurricular activities, or how you have actively lived the South Australia public sector values in action). Consider what inspired you to work in your role and how you’re influenced from your own education
• how you've responded to the needs of education and care locations and employees
• how you've collaborated or proactively engaged stakeholders to design solutions.

You can provide evidence in supporting documents if needed. Documents must not exceed 2 pages in total or a 5MB file size.

Seek inspiration by looking at our 2021 winners and finalists or past winners.

When writing your application:

• include headings, sub-headings and bullet points to make it easier to read
• make sure your answers are clear and written in plain English
• Avoid using acronyms or relying on assuming knowledge
• don’t skip over the detail – you’re allowed 250 words for each criteria.

Consider following the STAR model to structure your responses:

• Situation: What was the situation, context, or challenge faced?
• Task: What needed to be accomplished, what role did you play?
• Action: What did you do and how did you go about it?
• Result: What results or outcomes were achieved and what did you learn?

If you’re writing an application on behalf of someone, describe the context to give judges a feel for the applicant. Include what the most challenging aspect of their role is. 

If you wish to work on your application offline before submitting, you can use an application template. When applying, copy and paste your answers into your application.

• Leader of the Year Award – application template (Word 357KB)
• Early Years Teacher of the Year Award – application template (Word 357KB) 
• Credit Union SA Primary Teacher of the Year Award – application template (Word 357KB)
• Lumination Secondary Teacher of the Year Award – application template (Word 357KB)
• Inclusive Teacher (Disability) of the Year Award – application template (Word 357KB)
• University of South Australia Team Teaching Award – application template (Word 357KB)
• Aunty Josie Agius Award – application template (Word 357KB)
• Site-based Support Award – application template (Word 357KB)
• System Support Award – application template (Word 357KB)
• Community Engagement Award – application template (Word 357KB)

Before submitting:

• check you've answered all questions and addressed all criteria
• check there are no spelling errors
• have a colleague read over your application.

Information provided in the title and summary fields of your application may be used for marketing purposes.

Winners and finalists may be required to fulfil an ambassadorial role and must agree to participate in the promotion of the awards before and after the ceremony as requested by the department.

Applications will not be accepted if they’re not endorsed by your principal or director. 

The state judging panel reserves the right to not award a winner if they deem there are no suitable submissions in a particular category. Decisions made by the judging panel are final. No correspondence regarding the panel’s decisions and recommendations will be provided.