Westminster School’s commitment to excellence rewarded again
Usually schools talk about back-to-back wins in student sports. But Westminster School has taken home another prestigious international teaching award, its second in a row.
Angela Phillips, Westminster School Director of Teaching, has been awarded the prestigious international NEiTA 2024 Leadership Award, following in the footsteps of Principal Simon Shepherd who won the award last year.
The National Excellence in Teaching Awards recognise teaching excellence in Australia and New Zealand, and Phillips was one of just 11 recipients this year and one of only two from South Australia.
Principal Simon Shepherd described Phillips as “a true inspiration” whose impact extends beyond individual achievements.
“Her passion, dedication and enthusiasm shine through in everything she does,” he said.
“Always willing to lend a hand and share her insights, Angela encourages growth and improvement in everyone she works with, making her an invaluable asset to our team.”
Westminster School Director of Teaching Angela Phillips
During her 23-year career in education, Phillips has emerged as a driving force behind teaching excellence, particularly through her leadership of Westminster’s HALT (Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher) certification program.
After becoming the school’s first HALT-certified educator in 2019, Phillips has helped build a community of teaching excellence that now includes 14 certified staff members, with another six awaiting assessment and 15 more on the journey.
You might like
Phillips said the HALT program enabled teachers to learn from each other and demonstrate the impact of their classroom practice.
“By observing classroom practice and talking to our expert educators about the certification journey, we managed to build a team of teachers working towards certification, and as our teachers saw the positive impacts of the program we’ve had more and more opt in,” she said.
The program provides a framework for teachers to gain certification as Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers, bolstering leadership skills and encouraging continuous professional growth.
Shepherd said there are significant benefits for students too.
“HALT certification enhances student outcomes by improving their wellbeing, engagement and academic achievement,” he explained.
“Through action research and evidence-based practices, our HALTs set the benchmark for excellence in the classroom; their innovative teaching strategies foster engagement and holistic development, ensuring that our students thrive.”
HALT certification is managed nationally by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and is available to teachers across all education sectors.
Phillips also co-leads the South Australian HALT Network, a cross-sector professional network supporting teacher growth throughout the state.
Founded in 1961, Westminster School is an Early Learning to Year 12, coeducational day and boarding Uniting Church school.
Shepherd said the school’s commitment to professional development, reflected in programs like HALT and partnerships with organisations such as the Centre for Creative Leadership, has helped establish it as a destination for passionate educators and professional staff alike.
“The HALT program has strengthened Westminster’s culture of growth and collaboration,” Shepherd said.
“Our HALTs act as mentors, supporting colleagues at every stage of their teaching journey and serving as in-house experts in pedagogy.
“They have also been integral to initiatives like the Westminster Teaching School Hub, helping trainee teachers become classroom ready.”
This in turn, has benefitted students and the wider school community.
“At Westminster, we aim to help every individual – students and teachers alike – achieve more than they thought possible,” Shepherd said.
“By investing in ongoing development and growth opportunities, we empower our educators to inspire, innovate and thrive in their roles.”
Westminster School Principal, Simon Shepherd and NEiTA Leadership Award winner, Angela Phillips. Photo: Paul Jeffers
Looking ahead, Phillips is also committed to nurturing educational excellence.
“I was the first teacher to become certified as HALT at Westminster School, and I can honestly say it was the most impactful professional learning I’ve ever undertaken,” Phillips said.
The certification process had changed her for the better as an educator, she said.
“I am always eager to see the impact of what we do within the school, seeking feedback at every turn and striving to improve.
“I am not satisfied with just thinking something works; I need evidence to back up my thoughts.
“I am so honoured and grateful for the recognition [by NEiTA] and look forward to continuing to work with the wonderful educators at Westminster School, driving their development and allowing them to excel as both educators and leaders.”
