Behind every student who rediscovers confidence, overcomes challenges or achieves a personal milestone is a team of people who believe in them, often long before they believe in themselves.
At Allegra School, our Learning Support Officers (LSOs) are an integral part of that journey. They are mentors, encouragers, advocates and collaborators who help create the conditions where young people can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
That is why we are incredibly proud to announce that both our Learning Support Team and Learning Support Officer Reggie Frost have been recognised with nominations in the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards.
A National Recognition for Team Excellence
Our entire Learning Support Team has been nominated for the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year Award.
The nominated team includes:
- Amber Van Dartel
- Emma Cameron
- Fernando Caceda
- Jayden O’Shaughnessy
- Jo Conway
- Reggie Frost
- Richard Raward, and
- Stephanie Pannell
Nominated by Allegra’s Leader of Student Strategy and Support, Kellie Green, this recognition celebrates the extraordinary impact the team has every day on the lives of our students.
While students often see the friendly faces in the classroom, what they don’t always see is the planning, collaboration, reflection and professional expertise that sits behind every interaction.
At Allegra, our Learning Support Team works alongside teachers, wellbeing staff and families to create personalised learning experiences that recognise each student’s strengths, reduce barriers to learning and build confidence over time. Their work extends far beyond academic support. They help students develop independence, regulate emotions, rebuild trust in education and experience success in ways many never thought possible.
This is what makes Allegra different. We believe learning flourishes when students experience authentic connections, personalised support and a culture where every individual is genuinely known. Our Learning Support Officers are central to bringing this philosophy to life. Whether supporting literacy, facilitating engagement in the classroom, encouraging students through difficult moments or celebrating their successes, they help transform school into a place where young people feel safe to learn, take risks and grow.
Celebrating Reggie Frost
We are equally delighted that Reggie Frost has been individually nominated for the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Award.
Reggie’s nomination recognises her outstanding contribution to:
- Student learning and wellbeing
- Commitment to professional growth
- Collaboration with colleagues
These qualities capture exactly what makes exceptional Learning Support Officers so valuable. They combine compassion with expertise, flexibility with consistency and high expectations with genuine care.
Reggie is deeply respected by both students and colleagues for the positive relationships she builds and the calm, encouraging presence she brings to every learning environment. Her nomination is a wonderful acknowledgement of the difference she makes each and every day.
More Than Recognition
Awards are wonderful, but they are never the reason our team does what they do.
Every day, our Learning Support Officers choose to invest in young people who may have previously experienced anxiety, disengagement or barriers to learning. They celebrate small victories, provide encouragement during setbacks and quietly help students discover what they are capable of.
This reflects one of the core beliefs that underpins the Allegra Dynamic: that meaningful education extends beyond curriculum. It is built through relationships, collaboration, high expectations and opportunities for every student to experience success. Our Learning Support Team works alongside teachers, families and wellbeing staff to ensure each student receives the personalised support they need to achieve their goals and develop confidence in themselves.
Their work often happens quietly, without recognition, but its impact is seen every day—in students who re-engage with learning, develop independence, build resilience and begin to believe in their own potential.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our entire Learning Support Team and especially to Reggie Frost on this outstanding achievement.
We look forward to following the awards, with finalists to be announced on 13 August 2026 and the winners announced during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week on 3 September 2026.
View the nominees
Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year
https://www.australianteacheraide.com.au/Awards/Australian-Teacher-Aide-of-the-Year-Awards/2026-Team-Awards
Australian Teacher Aide of the Year (Individual Awards)
https://www.australianteacheraide.com.au/Awards/Australian-Teacher-Aide-of-the-Year-Awards/2026-Individual-Awards