04 Dec 2013
Dubbo College special education head teacher Bonita Stevens was last night (Tuesday 3/12) presented with the highest honour in the NSW Department of Education, the Director-General's award for excellence in service. Mrs Stevens, who has headed up the Senior Campus special education unit since its inception, received her award during a ceremony in Sydney, where she was also given the honour of responding on behalf of the 30 schools and TAFE recipients.
Originally a primary school teacher, Mrs Steven's interest in the field of special education began when she was working at Lalor Park and was involved in a trial integrating a child with autism into her mainstream class.
"I loved the response I received from the child and his grandfather who was caring for him," Mrs Stevens said. "Lalor Park proved a great training ground because it taught me that there were ways of overcoming adversity.
"After that I was fortunate enough to be invited to work with the gifted and talented program at Windsor Public School. I worked under the principal I had when I was a student in my home town of Peak Hill. While at Windsor I also began helping kids who were not able to read at their appropriate age level."
When Dubbo College began in 2001 Bonita made the successful transition from primary school teaching to high school special education and began running a unit of five classes.
"With the help of my colleagues I am able to recognise and celebrate the diversity of individual students," she said. "The achievements of these students can be as simple as making eye contact or a physical gesture to communicate with others.
"The excitement on their faces and those of their parents when they achieve small milestones is incredibly rewarding."
Mrs Stevens said she had led her team to foster the belief that every person could contribute to society.
"It is the role of the teacher to plan, prepare and implement opportunities so that students can achieve their very best," she said.
One highlight of Mrs Stevens teaching career has been the success of former student Hayley Bellamy, one of last year's "Don't DIS my ABILITY" ambassadors.
"After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in psychology, Hayley now has a very successful career in Sydney working with Pricewaterhouse Coopers' online team," she said. "She's also continuing with her studies, undertaking a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication degree at the University of Western Sydney."
Like many women, Mrs Stevens has successfully combined having a family with her teaching career.
"Receiving the award has made me reflect and sincerely thank my husband and two children, my parents, two brothers and many members of the teaching community who have given me support and opportunities along the way," she said.