Posted June 2017

Preschool teacher Almut Weiler Anderson, who works at KU Peter Pan Paddington Preschool, has been named the National Early Childhood Educator of the Year at the 2017 Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards.

The prestigious award recognises the personal contributions Almut has made towards improving the wellbeing of children and families at the preschool, as well as her commitment to professional learning and development.

“I am humbled to have been named the National Early Childhood Educator of the Year. I would like to thank the Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards and sponsors for this opportunity to continue learning,” said Almut.

Part of her prize for winning the award involves additional opportunities for professional development and learning, including a $4,000 One World for Children training grant, a $5,000 professional development grant, registration for a professional course series held by Dr Kaylene Henderson, as well as $750 worth of resources from Educational Experience. Almut is hoping to put these prizes towards training in an area she is particularly passionate about – nature play.

“Winning the national award will enable me to continue my professional learning around nature pedagogy and leadership. This will deepen my own understanding of nature play and enable me to contribute to richer educational programs for the children at KU Peter Pan Paddington,” said Almut.

The awards were presented at the Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 16 June at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.