WATCHING students achieve their dreams is the “best feeling in the world”, says Australia’s ‘best secondary teacher’, Daniel Buttacavoli.
The VCE English teacher and faculty leader at Altona North’s Emmanuel College was last Thursday named Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Australian awards for ‘outstanding teaching and school leadership’ in Adelaide.
As well as teaching there, the Footscray resident, now 34, attended Emmanuel College as a student.
Mr Buttacavoli says he gets great satisfaction from getting to know his students.
“You’ve got to work hard to get to know their individual circumstances, their individual needs, and forming strong partnerships or strong relationships to try and address those needs.
“You’re not teaching a class of 30; you’re teaching 30 individuals and doing the work that it takes to get to know the kids well.
“Getting to know them is actually very satisfying, especially to work out what they want to achieve.
“And when they do, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
The award, presented by School Education Minister Peter Garrett, includes a $25,000 sabbatical.
Mr Buttacavoli was recognised for establishing “positive and genuine relationships” with his students,” resulting in consistently improved grades and confidence.
He was also acknowledged for his extracurricular activities to challenge students and broaden their opportunities.
He contributes to the Pearson English Teacher Companion and is involved in a joint Victorian Institute of Teaching-CECV pilot program that recognises high-performing teachers.
Federal Gellibrand MP Nicola Roxon congratulated Mr Buttacavoli. “Every day, Daniel does a crucial job for all of us — working with students to teach them, inspire them and encourage them. Daniel is a teacher who’s gone beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of many students. An example was his role in the Gellibrand SRC debate, which I host. Each year, Daniel has coached students and facilitated their attendance at a number of out-of-hours meetings.”
