A Dandenong teacher is among the finalists being acknowledged by the Andrews Labor Government in this year’s Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, congratulated Bev Hansen from Dandenong West Primary School who has been named as a finalist for the Outstanding Primary Principal Award.

As principal of Dandenong West Primary School, Ms Hansen has been recognised for her deep commitment to improving teaching practice and student outcomes. Ms Hansen has fostered opportunities for student leadership and empowerment by initiating a range of wellbeing programs and initiatives to support students and break the link between disadvantage and achievement.

Ms Hansen believes that schools should serve people and communities by being outward-facing, welcoming and an inclusive place of learning. To achieve this, she has engaged over 50 different organisations to connect recently-arrived refugee children and their families to the school and community resources they need to succeed in their new life.

Acting Minister for Education, Gayle Tierney, today congratulated the 35 finalists across 12 award categories. The awards recognise inspirational teachers, principals, business managers and education support staff.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony to coincide with Australia’s celebration of World Teachers’ Day on 25 October. The Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education will also be awarded on the night.

All winners are awarded professional development grants of up to $25,000 to support their work in schools.

The Labor Government is building the Education State where every student can access a great local school and get a great education, which involves having great teachers at the forefront of our classrooms to help kids thrive.

That’s why the Victorian Education Excellence Award winners receive grants towards professional development and learning, to ensure our teachers are well supported to lead great careers in the Education State.

More information about the awards and finalists is available at www.education.vic.gov.au/veea