Coffs Harbour is home to Australia’s top teacher aide team, with Allegra School’s Learning Support Officer Team taking out the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year award.
The national honour recognises the Coffs Harbour team’s work helping young people who may have experienced trauma, anxiety, school refusal or disengagement from mainstream education reconnect with learning.
At Allegra School, the local team provides daily reading interventions, personalised classroom support, wellbeing programs, vocational learning and life-skills opportunities.
“Through careful observation, strong relationships with students, collaborative planning with classroom teachers, and responsive in-class support, the team create emotionally safe learning environments where students feel understood, supported, and capable of success.” said nominator Kellie Green, Leader of Student Strategy and Support.
The Coffs Harbour team was recognised for its contribution to student learning, wellbeing and belonging, with strong relationships and emotional safety at the centre of its approach.
Its targeted literacy support has contributed to substantial growth in students’ reading ability, while trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practices help students rebuild confidence and reconnect with education.
The team also works closely with Allegra School teachers and undertakes ongoing professional learning to provide consistent and inclusive support for students.
Australian Teacher Aide Director and Co-Founder Mandy Bell said the awards highlighted the contribution teacher aides make to students and schools across the country.
“The Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards provide an important opportunity for schools to recognise the outstanding contribution of their teacher aides, and the positive impact they have on student learning and wellbeing. The nominations this year were of an exceptionally high calibre, and we congratulate Allegra’s Learning Support Officer Team and Noah Gafa for their collaborative efforts in contributing to the success of students at their respective schools” said Bell.
The win gives Allegra School and its Coffs Harbour learning support staff national recognition for their work helping students overcome barriers to education.
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