Teacher of the Year Win for Casey Grammar!

Sandra Torcasio of Casey Grammar School has been declared Primary School Teacher of the Year - Non-government at the annual Australian Education Awards.

At the award ceremony in Sydney on Friday (12 August), Sandra’s strong commitment to both her students and her own learning were acknowledged.

The Australian Education Awards, presented by The Educator, reward effective leadership, commitment to the profession, academic achievements, and innovation. Sandra excels in all these areas.

Principal Fiona Williams said that Casey Grammar staff and students have long known and appreciated how exceptional Sandra is.

“Sandra’s passion, creativity, innovation, and capacity for education have seen her achieve incredible outcomes as our Junior School Head of Teaching and Learning. We are so proud to see her receive National recognition for this,” she said.

The Educator judges recognised Sandra’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching, particularly through technology. Among other things, she is responsible for the school’s exceptional STEM program, and goes above and beyond to engage and inspire students.

As Junior School Head of Teaching and Learning, Sandra uses her considerable experience to ensure that the curriculum focuses on best practice, while mentoring and supporting new staff. Her innovations have encouraged a passion in students for STEM fields such as robotics.

Sandra felt both honoured and humbled in receiving the prestigious award.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Casey Grammar for your ongoing support and encouragement. I love what I do and feel privileged to work with such a fantastic team.”

“With passion and hard work, you can achieve anything. In my case, it has allowed me to carve a career of innovation and impact,” said Sandra.

“It always comes back to providing the best education I can offer to our students, so that we’re teaching the whole child. My goal is to deliver teaching in ways that engage the students and encourage enthusiasm in their learning. This is how I foster a love of learning.”

Casey’s Head of Junior School, Melissa Roberton, describes Sandra as a visionary, who is highly effective with her time.

“Everything Sandra does is with students’ best interests at the forefront of her mind. She is a researcher who stays abreast of best practice, sets high expectations for herself, students, and staff, is very well organised, and data driven whilst always being modest and humble.”

“Many parents are so grateful that Sandra taught their children,” she says. “She makes time for them. She asks after her past students - even once they’ve graduated Casey Grammar.

“To have been taught by Sandra is a privilege.”