An expert in curriculum and a consistent professional, Literacy and Numeracy Coach Anthony Ries continues to implement the latest teaching strategies and grow the professional learning of his colleagues at Marsden State School.
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Having previously taught Years 4 to 6, he was Team Leader for those Years and modelled inclusive practices for those classes. Anthony was one of the leaders in the school to support administrative staff to create a working timetable that included support staff across all year levels.

Anthony encourages colleagues to reflect on best practice and has been involved in the implementation of several programs, including some that made use of collective responsibility and inclusion strategies that he followed up with ongoing support. He supports and facilitates professional development for colleagues, creates collective data spreadsheets for school staff to analyse and reads up on the latest research.

Colleague Danica Majanac says Anthony is well-respected amongst staff, having once been Acting Deputy Principal.

“Anthony implements professional dialogue with colleagues that is informed by feedback and analysis of current research and practices to improve teaching and student outcomes. This dialogue guides and leads to best teaching strategies and collective responsibility,” Danica says.

In the lead-up to taking on his current role and in addition to his other duties, Anthony conducted year-long research into vocabulary with Wendy McKay (Australian Curriculum Facilitator). This commitment saw him learning about specific high-functioning words, conducting pre- and post-testing, collating data and using the data and best practice to guide his teaching and learning.

A teacher of nine years and literacy and numeracy coach for two, Anthony facilitates and organises the Logan Schools’ Debating tournament and student training day for aspiring debaters in his school’s region. He has also coached the school’s rugby team for many years.

He supports the implementation of ICT apps and programs across laptop classes in Years 4 to 6 and conducts parent information sessions for laptop classes.

But he is not one to rest on his laurels: as Danica puts it, “Currently Anthony aspires to gain further knowledge and understanding of his role as Literacy and Numeracy Coach; and improve his professional development to improve teacher practices.”

Congratulations Anthony on your nomination.

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