A SYDNEY school teacher has been celebrated as one of Australia’s most outstanding educators at the 30th National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA), supported by Futurity Investment Group.

Sylvia Arotin was the inaugural winner of the prestigious NEiTA Trustees' Alumni Award in recognition of her ongoing excellence as a past NEiTA winner, and a $10,000 professional development grant from NEiTA Foundation.

As the owner and director of My Montessori Education Centre in Kellyville (NSW), an independent community-based early childhood school, Sylvia’s Trustees' Alumni Award follows her NEiTA Seed Award, which she won in 2023.

“Winning the NEiTA Award last year was transformative. It kickstarted a series of awards including an Australian Small Business Champion in Children’s Services Award and most recently Women Changing the World in Education Silver Trophy presented by The Duchess of York in London,” Sylvia said.

“It also lifted my profile to be able to host professional development workshops for other educators and also those in the medical field to help them understand how to communicate more effectively with children.

“The professional development grant from The NEiTA Foundation allowed me to re-open a classroom for our baby and toddler program, which had to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being able to restore this space for our community has been incredible.”

Sylvia is also the founder of Guide & Grow, an online platform designed to equip families with the resources and support they need to implement Montessori principles at home.

“Guide & Grow has more than 365,000 members globally,” Sylvia said.“I’m incredibly proud of what it has become. It’s rewarding to know I’m making a difference
in homes around the world.”

Sylvia is on a mission to enhance outcomes for children by bridging the gap between school and home, ensuring Montessori principles can be effectively applied in both environments.“My Montessori journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been long and lonely at times, however, it’s moments like this that make it all worth it,” Sylvia said.

“Recognition like this fuels my passion to continue making a difference in the way we shape our future generations.”

NEiTA Foundation Chair, Catherine O’Sullivan, said educators like Sylvia exemplify the power of exceptional teaching and leadership.

“Sylvia is a dedicated, compassionate, and transformative force in education,” Catherine said.

"As a remarkable teacher, Sylvia is influencing the trajectory of future generations and leaving an enduring legacy on the lives of countless students.

“The My Montessori School and the wider Western Sydney community, as well as the online Guide & Grow community, are enriched thanks to Sylvia’s ability to motivate, educate, and inspire the next generation of young minds.

“Over three incredible decades, the National Excellence in Teaching Awards has recognised more than 1,100 exceptional educators and gifted more than $1.4 million in professional development grants and prizes. 

"We are thrilled to honour Sylvia once again, she’s the perfect embodiment of what this esteemed alumni award is all about."

Home page image form left: NEiTA Foundation Chair, Catherine O’Sullivan, Sylvia Arotin and Chief NEiTA judge, Dr Julie Rimes.