Mordialloc College's Andrew McConchie has won Victoria's top public education prize, the Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education.
The award, named after Victoria's longest-serving Education Minister, is part of the Victorian Education Excellence Awards recognising school staff for outstanding dedication and achievement in government education.
Andrew was among winners across 14 awards categories announced on Friday 20 November.
He took out the Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award for his work leading Mordialloc College's literacy program, and the Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education after being judged the most outstanding category award winner.
'It was fantastic to be acknowledged for English and Literacy teaching, particularly in a year when building the critical analysis skills of our students is clearly so important in helping our young people take ownership of their own beliefs and values,' Andrew said after the awards.
He encouraged others to apply for the awards in future.
'The process of personal reflection is valuable in itself, but more importantly, it really sharpens the sense that you are part of something wider, part of a community doing great things for our young people,' he said.
Andrew received professional development grants to support his work in schools.
The awards, now in their 19th year, are organised by the Department. Nominations for the 2021 awards open in March.
Awards categories and winners
The 2020 Victorian Education Excellence Awards included individual, team and specialist awards for outstanding endeavour and achievement in improving student outcomes.
Winners were selected by a panel of judges following a thorough application, shortlisting and interview process.
To view the full list of winners and their profiles, refer to the Victorian Education Excellence Awards website.
Individual awards
Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education
Andrew McConchie, Mordialloc College
Outstanding Business Manager Award
Matthew Smitten, Bacchus Marsh Primary School
Outstanding Primary Teacher Award
Averil Mitchell, Hampton Park Primary School
Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award
Andrew McConchie, Mordialloc College
Outstanding Primary Principal Award
Esme Capp, Princes Hill Primary School
Outstanding Secondary Principal Award
Jill Laughlin, Camberwell High School
Team awards
Outstanding Education Support Team Award
Latrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option
Outstanding Inclusive Education Award
Kangaroo Flat Primary School
Outstanding Koorie Education Award
Swan Hill Primary School
Outstanding School Improvement Award
Cobram Primary School
Outstanding Provision for High-Ability Students – Primary
River Gum Primary School
Outstanding Provision for High-Ability Students – Secondary
Preston High School
Specialist awards
Dr Lawrie Shears Excellence in Global Teaching and Learning Award
Richmond West Primary School
Excellence in Physical Education and Activity Award – Primary Teacher
Ben Clark, Antonio Park Primary School
Excellence in Physical Education and Activity Award – Secondary Teacher
Mitch Crowley, Hazel Glen College
Find out more
For more information on the awards, refer to the Victorian Education Excellence Awards website.