Sarah Gossage

Tara Shire State College

In her relatively short teaching career, Sarah Gossage has already become a valued member and leader of the Tara Shire State College community.
 
After identifying discrepancies in academic data regarding literacy, Sarah led the development of a school-wide Preparatory to Year 9 evidence-based reading program to improve student learning outcomes.
 
Sarah has been fundamental in the success of this new literacy program; she regularly models lessons to assure the quality of the school’s teaching strategies, reviews the program to ensure its effectiveness, and provides feedback to her fellow teachers to ensure they are meeting the needs of all students.
 
She also acts as a mentor to less experienced teachers, who can meet with Sarah in a one-on-one setting to ensure their teachings units meet the guidelines of the Australian Curriculum and to receive feedback and direction for continued improvement. 

“At the end of each unit, Sarah reviews it with the teacher to provide feedback and direction for continued improvement. This has led to an improvement in engagement,” Deputy Principal Nikki Gauld said.

Sarah has also taken the lead in improving ICT proficiency within the school.

​She teaches the school’s Laptop Class, which sees her help her fellow teachers develop teaching strategies that expand learning opportunities through the use of technology.
 
Teachers regularly approach Sarah for advice on planning and teaching programs using new technologies, and student engagement has improved throughout the school as a result.
 
Congratulations Sarah on your nomination.