In Margot Jasprizza's classroom the high level of disadvantage of her students "simply melts away".
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In Sydney this week, Ms Jasprizza (nee Chivers), who is an assistant principal at Dubbo West, was recognised as an exemplar practitioner at the Australian College of Educators (ACE) annual awards night where she received an Excellence in Education Award.
The award recognises her work supporting students in low socio-economic areas.
Growing up in Cowra where she attended St Raphael's and Cowra High, Ms Jasprizza (nee Chivers), is the daughter of Peter and Peggy Chivers.
"Her caring, compassion, inclusivity and outstanding teaching provide the perfect environment for her students to thrive," her nomination for the ACE award said.
"Her classroom community is one where individual and group encouragement for other members is paramount and each child's achievements are celebrated."
Fifty six per cent of Dubbo West's student body is from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and 84 per cent come from low socio-economic backgrounds.
"Many students also present from trauma backgrounds, but in Margot's classroom this high level of disadvantage simply melts away," the nomination said.
Parents of students at the school have been quick to praise Margot for "not only teaching their children academically but also the values of acceptance and tolerance".
"The school principal recently received an email from a parent advising that her autistic child had just said his first word 'mum'. That word reflected 10 months of hard work, persistence and skill from Margot," the school's nomination said.
Ms Jasprizza uses a point of need teaching method where teachers develop tasks appropriate to a range of ability levels to meet the learning needs of all their students.
"This provides an exceptional start to each child's schooling," the nomination said. "As a result of her dedication to effective practice, work ethic, leadership of her team, and commitment to our students, many of whom are from severely disadvantaged backgrounds, student growth at Dubbo West from Kindergarten to Year 3 has been sustaining and growing or excelling over the past four years."
The ACE awards presentation took place at the Sheraton Grand Sydney on November 11.
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