Narrandera High School’s Mrs Beth Chappell has been recognised with the prestigious Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the highest teaching honour in New South Wales.

The award was presented by the Hon Prue Car, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, at Sydney Town Hall on Monday 3 August, as part of Public Education Week celebrations.

Mrs Chappell has devoted more than 20 years to supporting students at Narrandera High School, earning praise for her dedication to education, student wellbeing, and extracurricular activities.

Her tireless work in the classroom and her commitment to providing sporting opportunities has enriched the lives of countless students, helping them to develop academically, socially, and physically.

This award recognises Mrs Chappell’s positive impact on the school community, highlighting her role as a mentor and advocate for youth.

Colleagues and students alike commend her for creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment.

Narrandera High School and the wider community congratulate Mrs Chappell on this outstanding achievement, which serves as an inspiration to all educators across NSW.

The citation for her award read:

Beth Chappell is an exceptional educator who consistently prioritises the educational and wellbeing needs of all students. Her innovative mindset and collaborative approach are reflected in her work integrating technology and developing effective faculty and whole-school learning programs.

Beth empowers colleagues to confidently adapt their practices, promote efficient teaching practices, and cultivate engaging learning environments.

She generously shares her expertise, supporting staff across faculties, and is highly regarded for her student-centered teaching. Beth’s unwavering commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and holistic student support truly embodies the core values of public education.

Beth said the award, which celebrates the achievements of NSW public schools under this year’s theme, “Inspiring Excellence”, came as a surprise and left her both “shocked and humbled”.

“Like many teachers, I simply come to work each day focused on doing the best I can for my students and supporting my colleagues, rather than seeking recognition,” she said.

A former Narrandera High School student, Beth started as a casual teacher in 2005, before securing a permanent position in 2012 when she “truly found a sense of belonging”.

“The strong connections I have built with students, staff and families have made it more than just a workplace, it is a community I am incredibly proud to be part of,” Beth said.

“Teaching is very much a team effort and every teacher plays an important role in creating a positive learning environment.

“At Narrandera High School, we work collaboratively, share ideas and support one another to ensure our students have the best opportunities to succeed.

“I’m fortunate to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and I believe any success I have is a reflection of the strong, supportive team we have at our school.”