Lisa Weingarth, Lead Teacher, Emmanuel Anglican College

'It’s about having an impact in the lives of children and a passion for education,' she explains.

Lisa works at Emmanuel Anglican College, in Ballina on the northern coast of NSW.

'In 20 years I haven’t done any other professional development that has changed my practice so significantly,' she says.

'The process of higher-level accreditation is a really good reflective tool. It illustrates where professional strengths lie and key areas requiring growth. It provides an opportunity to grow your teaching and consider what impact you want to make.'

Lisa is not only the first teacher at Emmanuel Anglican College to have obtained Lead Teacher status, she is the first in Ballina and one of only a couple in the northern rivers region of NSW.

'I would like to support the ongoing growth of educators. I’m keen to focus on mentoring into the future.'

Lisa was recognised for her outstanding teaching practice in a prestigious awards ceremony on 10 September.