Charles Darwin University’s NT Manager of the Primary Industries and Community Services Industry Division, Dr Brian Heim, has been awarded the Institute of Trade Skills Excellence Agricultural Teacher of the Year award.
Dr Heim, originally from Texas, USA, has been at CDU’s Katherine campus for the past five and a half years and during his tenure has been engaged in a variety of enterprises in the Agricultural division.
Speaking en route to Sydney where he will receive his award in a ceremony tomorrow evening, Dr Heim said: “I am very honoured to have been chosen and I have a lot of people to thank. I’m so appreciative of the award and it makes me very happy to reflect Charles Darwin University in such a positive light.”
When asked why he thought he’d won the award, Dr Heim modestly commented: “I put together a rather good application… But on a more serious note, I have been very fortunate in the variety of agricultural work I have been engaged in over the years and CDU has given me a large amount of time and a lot of academic freedom to develop innovative programs.”
Dr Heim also has been shortlisted for the ultimate accolade of Teacher of the Year, recognising teachers who dedicate their lives to ensuring tomorrow’s trades and skills people are armed with the very best skills through their innovative teaching methods.
Chief Executive Officer for Trade Skills Excellence, Brian Wexham said the award acknowledged leadership in developing tomorrow’s skills and trades professionals.
“It was established to give deserving teachers in the trades and skills arena the opportunity to implement professional developmental projects that otherwise would not have been possible without funding,” he said.
“The Trades and Skills Teacher of the Year Award derives its success from identifying teachers who are able to move beyond delivering only to curriculum and who meet industry standards to ensure Australia continues to turn out the most highly skilled men and women,” Mr Wexham said.
Dr Heim will be interviewed alongside three other shortlisted candidates for the Teacher of the Year Award tomorrow lunchtime. The results will be announced at tomorrow night’s ceremony.