Nowra's Sue McIntyre was recently announced as the winner of the 2021 NSW ACEL Leadership Award at the NSW ACEL Annual Awards.
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The educational leader and early childhood teacher at the ECTARC Clipper Road Education and Care Service at Nowra was nominated by Early Childhood Education Services and Training (ECTARC) and the University of Wollongong.
The awards are presented each year to individual educators, teams of educators, schools, networks, not-for-profits, and professional associations who have demonstrated excellent educational leadership in developing and implementing a significant educational initiative, conducting research or influencing educational policy, leading to improved outcomes for students or colleagues in any educational setting.
Sue has a strong history in the education space, having 29 years in teaching and 27 years in childcare. While she's a trained primary and high school teacher, it's childcare that keeps drawing her back.
"It's very rewarding and at the moment we're working on a number of projects and it's really exciting to see when it works," Sue said.
"There's a lot of information coming out about brain development for young children and it's wonderful being able to read and implement what the science is telling us."
While she was honoured to receive the award, Sue said it wouldn't be possible without the strong support networks works alongside.
"It's really nice to be recognised but I also recognise that it's part of being a team that's really passionate and supportive, provides the training and time, and having those connections to UOW that's taken years to build up means I've enjoyed the benefits down the track," she said.
"Each person is educational leaders in their own right and they bring their own commitment and dedication."
According to the judge, Sue's extensive experience as a primary and early childhood teacher, exemplary performance as an educational leader and for her role as a LEEDA champion as part of a University of Wollongong Early Start project, were highly noted.
However, it is her passion for educational leadership that makes Sue a stand out by challenging professional practice with tough conversations that consider the 'why' of everyday practices.
"Sue is brave enough to challenge practice, have difficult conversations and come back and try again, even after the most difficult of days. Sue sees opportunities where others see barriers," Kathryn Barker, ECTARC's Early Childhood Manager, said.
Kathryn said Sue's approach also is reflected when dealing with demanding situations.
"Student outcomes, particularly self-regulation and engagement in learning, have been impacted by the highly reflective, evidence based and calm approach that Sue takes to engage with children that come from community trauma with complex needs," Kathyrn said.
"Sue is able to build authentic relationships with children and engage them in child led discovery learning that motivates even the most reluctant learner."
Kathryn said ECTARC is proud to have such an extraordinary member of the team who brings so much commitment to education and care of children in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities.
