World Teachers' Day HALT Awards Breakfast: Celebrating ACT’s Inspiring Educators
Canberra, 25 October 2024 – Over 250 people gathered at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden today to celebrate World Teachers’ Day and honour the remarkable educators who are shaping the future through their dedication and excellence in teaching. Under the theme "Building Tomorrow’s Minds on the Shoulders of Teaching Giants in the Nation’s Capital," the HALT Awards Breakfast recognised the extraordinary work of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALTs) across the Australian Capital Territory, ACT Certification Assessors and nominees of this year’s 2024 teaching giants. We are a small jurisdiction, but proudly boast over 9% of Australia’s HALTs. This year we recognised 16 new HALTS and 25 who renewed their certification for the next 5 years.
This year over 65 nominees representing every sector of the educational landscape—from government, independent, and Catholic schools to early childhood centres, preschools, primary schools, high schools, and colleges. Their achievements reflect a passion for education that goes beyond the classroom, and their influence reaches into every corner of the ACT’s diverse community.
Attendees were welcomed with heartfelt tributes to teachers’ invaluable contributions, describing them as the “architects of our future” who illuminate pathways through the labyrinth of knowledge. Their tireless efforts ensure that children and young people have the tools, confidence, and guidance they need to reach their fullest potential. The event served as an inspiring reminder of the impact educators have on individual lives and on society as a whole.
ACT Education Directorate Director-General, Katy Haire, one of the keynote speakers remarked
Our teachers are unsung heroes who give selflessly, often working beyond the call of duty to guarantee that every child has a chance to succeed. Today, we honour their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our future generations.
World Teachers’ Day offers a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the indispensable role that teachers play in building a brighter tomorrow. By fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning, they are empowering the next generation and leaving an indelible mark on the future.
The morning concluded with a heartfelt round of applause as each awardee received recognition for their outstanding contributions to education. The event left everyone with a profound sense of gratitude and inspiration to continue supporting the educators who shape the minds and hearts of the next generation.
Some of our new HALT Assessors receiving their certificates
Read more about our 2024 WTD nominee and HALT recipients on the TQI website.