MacKillop College legal studies teacher Nicole Bailey has received one of the state’s highest teaching awards.

Mrs Bailey has been acknowledged for her leadership with the Australian College of Educators community and social justice award.

The award reflects her commitment in empowering students to raise awareness in social justice issues and to take positive action.

“It is an incredible honour to receive the award,” Mrs Bailey said.

“In 2016 the then year 12 students established the legal studies fund, which was fully embraced by the Port Macquarie community.

“To see young people take the initiative and do something for others in need has really gained momentum through each of the subsequent cohorts.

“The legal studies fund is a very unique college fund that has helped a significant number of victims.”

The 2016 students wanted to do something for victims of domestic violence in Port Macquarie, particularly after they uncovered the desperate need for funding for women who have escaped violence.

Specifically, the group wanted to make the fund relevant to legal studies; to fund legal assistance or a lawyer.

The fund has now expanded to include safety upgrades for accommodation for women.

The fund works closely with the Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service and the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.

Mrs Bailey said seeing her students driven to do something positive and to not to just hear the statistics was pleasing.

“As an educator I was thrilled by their enthusiasm,” she said.

“The initial cohort doubled their goal of $5000 and that legacy continues with each new cohort. This year the group has already raised $10,000.

“It makes my job as an educator so much more pleasurable to know that students are not only embracing the course I am teaching but they are also living it out.

“They are very justice-oriented students,” she said.

The legal studies educator said the students have embraced the college’s patron saint’s view that you never see a need without doing something about it.

“We also have a respectful relationship course which helps target changing behaviours early in the education system,” she added.

Australian College of Educators CEO, Helen Jentz, said Mrs Bailey had challenged her students in the very difficult and complex issue of social justice.

“Nicole’s award highlights the broad nature of being an educator,” Ms Jentz said.

“Her emphasis is on challenging and educating her students in what is a very difficult and complex issue and then championing that with her students.

“Her work is innovative for a regional area and is educating and challenging the next generation of community leaders.”

Ms Jentz said it was important to acknowledge and celebrate the work educators play in society.

“Education is the foundation of everything we do,” she added.

The Australian College of Educators (NSW branch) Awards recognise educators and/or educational institutions for excellence in educational practice.

This includes, but is not limited to, demonstrated excellence in all areas of teaching and learning – curriculum development, student wellbeing, professional development, technology, pedagogy, leadership, innovation, scholarship, Indigenous education, learning support and disability education.

Photo & Story courtesy of Port News

Congratulations: MacKillop College year 11 and 12 legal studies students celebrating teacher Nicole Bailey’s acknowledgement as one of the state’s best educators.