As we open entries for the 2023 APATA National Awards Program we welcome the chance to speak with this year’s APATA Performing Arts Teacher of the Year – Amanda Waddell – Head of Faculty for the Arts at John Paul College, Daisy Hill, QLD.

With a twenty-two-year career teaching the performing arts, Amanda understands the benefits of arts-based learning. Her journey began as a dance student with Broadway dreams, falling in love with the art of teaching, and now leading the arts program at her former alma mater John Paul College.

Amanda’s story weaves itself into the very fabric of APATA educators who love the performing arts and have found themselves thriving, guiding young people through their learning journeys.

A strong advocate for the arts in her schools past and present, Amanda is not shy about standing up for the programs and curriculum that her students care about. 

Her passions for teaching and arts education advocacy are deeply intertwined. The day she hangs up her teacher hat, you can bet we’ll see her lending a voice to the cause of having performing arts recognised as a vital part of our schools.

For Amanda, life is one big performing arts lesson, and she is continually inspired to learn and connect to the world through the arts.

We welcome Amanda to our cohort of APATA Award Alumni and celebrate her ongoing journey as a teacher and leader in performing arts education.

Access Amanda Waddell's APATA Podcast Transcript: HERE

Mentions:

John Paul College - www.jpc.qld.edu.au

Amanda Waddell – 2022 APATA Winner Article

Watch Amanda’s Award Presentation: Presented by Michael Sterzinger, Executive Director of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra and Camerata Managing Producer, Angela Loh: Watch Amanda’s Presentation HERE

2023 APATA Award entries are Now Open: Learn more

APATA: Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association – apata.com.au

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