A RESPECTED agriculture teacher and football coach at WA College of Agriculture – Cunderdin has been commended as an AFL school ambassador of the year for 2015.
Paul Jasper was nominated for one of the awards which have become the pinnacle for teachers of Australian Football.
There are seven category winners announced each year.
The school ambassadors program started in WA in 2004 and has become the national best practice model.
All registered teachers are eligible to become school ambassadors with training, equipment and support provided.
West Australian Football Commission education manager Sharon Wilson was thrilled with the quality of the nominations put forward for judging.
“The program continues to strive for excellence within schools across WA and nationally,” she said.
“All are outstanding examples of what we want our school ambassadors to be,” Ms Wilson said.
“Lessons linked to the curriculum in all learning areas and year levels mean ambassadors don’t need to be sports teachers to be involved.
“Literacy and numeracy outcomes can be delivered by using Australian Football as the theme.”
Mr Jasper was nominated because of his strengths in initiative, inclusivity, engagement with other staff, improving outcomes and involvement with local clubs.
He doubled the college training squad to 48 as a motivational tool; made the team more inclusive by rotating players; encouraged other staff members to help with coaching, transporting and supervising the team; successfully used team membership to motivate students in all areas of activity at the college and through his own involvement encouraged students to join local teams outside the college.
Principal Bernard Beatty said Paul’s dedication to teaching and as a football coach were outstanding.
He said he was an excellent role model, respected by those he coached and a worthy nominee.