Teacher has winning formula

Celebration and cake was on the agenda at a Rockingham school on Monday morning with one of its favourite teachers named the best in the State.

Bungaree Primary School science specialist Jodie Schicker won the WA Premier’s Primary Teacher of the Year Award.

Admitting her feet hadn’t quite touched the ground yet after receiving the award, Mrs Schicker said it was very exciting for herself and the school community.

“There were some highly esteemed finalists with me, so to be selected from them was quite an honour,” she said. “It is public recognition of the excellent things that are going on at Bungaree.

“I don’t teach for the accolades, but it is nice to be recognised in this way.”

Principal Janine Kinninment nominated Mrs Schicker for the award and said she was a teacher who continually strived to be the best educator she could be.

“She has touched the lives of many families at our school over her career, while Jodie says Bungaree Primary School has a piece of her heart, she is the heart of Bungaree,” Ms Kinninment said.

Mrs Schicker began her career 22 years ago and said she had always wanted to be a teacher.

“I was the girl that lined all of her teddies up and played schools with them,” she said.

“Being in the classroom is what I love, so I don’t think I’ll ever give that up.”

Ms Schicker is celebrating her 18th year at Bungaree Primary School and is teaching her second generation of families. She also works alongside Scitech and leads the Peron North Science Network.

She plans to use her prize money for professional learning in digital technology and to attend the CONASTA Science Conference in Tasmania next year.