This week we congratulate Chris Waugh, who was nationally honored last week for his contribution to innovative education.

Last Friday, among some of the best teachers in the country our Year 13 dean and English teacher Chris Waugh won the ASG National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) for Innovation in Education.

Forward thinking, personable and truly inspiring, Chris goes above and beyond for our students and is not afraid to pioneer new ways of learning. It was three specific innovations that won him the award one of which includes the 'You Choose' course selection in which teachers 'pitch' their course to students and they then make the choice independently. Chris also offers a blog where pupils publish their work, and a podcast called 'See Me After Class.'

Chris says this way of teaching empowers the students, and fosters independence. 'My students are the centre of everything I do. I believe passionately that giving them power to direct their lives, with the appropriate level of support and guidance, is crucial to their healthy development," he said.

We here are MAC are thrilled for Chris, and feel incredibly lucky to have him as a teacher. Congratulations Chris!