The winners for the Teaching in the Territory Excellence Awards were recently announced, highlighting the vital contribution of teachers and educators.

The Awards are held on 25 October each year - World Teachers' Day.

Winner of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educator of the Year award, Mundatjŋu Mununggurr (Yirrkala School, East Arnhem region), said she was inspired by her grandmother, who is also a teacher.

She said it was important for students to learn about their culture and a wide range of subjects.

"I want them to learn both Balanda, Yolngu. They can learn in Western. They want to learn," she said.

Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey congratulated the winners.

"Our teachers and school staff are doing outstanding work helping our young people develop into job-ready school leavers," she said.

"It's great the awards have a regional focus so we can ensure we recognise the good work happening across the NT.

"Our CLP government wants to ensure every student gets a good education no matter where they go to school."

The Minister said the Territory government wants NT teachers, school leaders and staff to see working in our schools as a rewarding career.

"We want to give financial certainty by moving them off short term contracts so they can confidently put down roots," she said.

"The recent reforms to school budgets provide more financial certainty for schools and enable more positions to be permanent.

"Today is about recognising and celebrating our classroom teachers, early childhood educators, support staff and school leaders for their outstanding work helping our young minds grow and develop the knowledge that they will rely on their entire lives."

The winners of the 2024 awards:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educator of the Year

Ms Mundatjŋu Mununggurr - Yirrkala School (East Arnhem region)

Early Childhood Educator of the Year

Ms Lauren Tassell - Elliott School (Barkly region)

Inclusion Educator of the Year

Ms Madeline Coreno - Maningrida College (Top End)

Leader in Education

Ms Jackie Mullins - Larapinta Primary (Central region)

Primary Educator of the Year

Mr Mario Mairou - Wagaman Primary School (Darwin region)

Principal of the Year

Mr Tony Clegg - Adelaide River School (Top End region)

Secondary Educator of the Year

Mr Darren Pittaway - Nightcliff Middle School (Darwin region)

Support Person of the Year

Ms Uia Amituanai - Centralian Senior College (Central region)

Vocational Education Trainer of the Year

Mr Steven Miles - Katherine High School (Big Rivers region)