Primary School Teacher of the Year, Shane Bell
August 7, 2026
We are proud to announce that Shane Bell was named Primary School Teacher of the Year, Non-Government at The Educator’s Australian Education Awards in Sydney tonight.
The prestigious award underlines Mr Bell’s enormous contribution to Casey Grammar over 31 years. Now Year 3-6 Team Leader, he is known for his passion, organisation and dedication to building strong relationships with staff, students and their families.
Mr Bell fosters a collaborative and supportive environment while innovating across inclusion, wellbeing, student agency, individualised learning and authentic Indigenous studies.
He writes the annual staff pantomime and has developed popular and effective programs such as Sporting Heroes, which encourages students to try new sports outside the school grounds, and a Junior School Writing Assessment Program.
“Each day, I am inspired by the strength of our community, the passion and generosity of my colleagues, and the remarkable students I have the honour of working with,” he says. “Their curiosity, kindness, and resilience bring meaning to every moment, and I feel deeply grateful to play a small part in their journey as learners and as people.”
Mr Bell was recognised for his many achievements in 2025. Among other things, he:
- Provided strategic direction and crucial mentorship to new teachers through curriculum adjustments to ensure they were equipped to deliver quality education.
- Continued running Sporting Heroes and implementing a Junior School Writing Assessment Program he developed involving extensive collaboration, research and rigorous analysis.
- Supervised and supported a Year 3-6 student wellbeing intervention program that enabled students to better self-regulate and approach learning opportunities positively, contributing to significant social and academic improvements.
- Collaborated with school leadership and teachers to introduce the Berry Street Education Model, a trauma-informed approach focusing on supporting students’ social, emotional and academic development.
- Led House-based events that he developed, including the Soccer Cup and the Talent Cup to acknowledge Performing Arts excellence
coordinated an annual City Camp experience for our Year 4 students that he developed.
Casey Grammar School’s Acting Principal, Dr Robert Jacob, says Mr Bell’s recognition is well deserved.
“Mr Bell is a bold innovator across the learning environment, student engagement, wellbeing and academic growth,” he says.
“After 31 years at the school, he continues to impress with his passion for education and genuine care for and support of his colleagues, students and their families. It is fantastic to see his work recognised at a national level.”
Dr Robert Jacob was confirmed as one of Australia’s best deputy principals at The Educator’s Australian Education Awards in Sydney tonight.
While he did not take home the main award for his category, he was named as an excellence awardee, underlining his exceptional contribution to our school, and to the education industry.
View more staff awards here.
