Celebrating Innovation in Education

Alfina Jackson, the Digital Technologies Coordinator and STEM teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton, has been awarded the ICTENSW Educator of the Year Award. (17 March 2024)

Congratulations to Alfina Jackson, the Digital Technologies Coordinator and STEM teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton, and St Joseph’s Primary School, Wauchope, for being honoured with the prestigious ICTENSW Educator of the Year Award.

The ICT Educators of New South Wales (ICTENSW), a distinguished professional teaching association, has recognised Alfina’s exceptional contributions in promoting and leveraging Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) within her school. Her dedication to advancing teaching and learning across various disciplines, including STEM, has made a significant impact.

‘We live in a time of rapid technological change. The skills in digital literacy and critical thinking that we teach students now are essential to their success in the future, and employment opportunities are yet to be invented. Students are starting school immersed in technology at home, yet may not have the stamina, digital literacy and critical thinking skills to apply their home use to school. Teachers need to be brave and experiment with technology, adapt their teaching and make time to explicitly teach the skills that will support our citizens of the future,’ said Alfina.

Alfina’s leadership and innovative approach to integrating ICT, computer science, and STEM education have earned her respect both within the Catholic Diocese of Lismore and beyond. She is not only a role model for her colleagues but also actively collaborates with students, parents, and educators to enhance the educational experience through technology.

‘I am immensely proud of Alfina Jackson. Her unwavering dedication to advancing STEM education has been inspirational. Her leadership in taking two groups to the STEM Mad National Conference and spearheading professional learning initiatives has significantly enriched our school's academic environment. Alfina's passion for technology and commitment to both her students and colleagues truly embody the spirit of excellence in education. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions and the positive impact she has on our future innovators,’ said Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton, Rick Galvin. 

Allfina was a presenter at the 2024 CTENSW DigiTLL (Digital Teaching, Learning & Literacy) Conference in Sydney. Her engaging presentation highlighted the importance of preparing students to be digitally literate across various key learning areas. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alfina for this well-deserved recognition of her outstanding achievements in education.