Eric Dawud
Hedland Senior High School, WA
Kariyarra
Early Career Teacher
The regional town of Port Hedland, in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, is one of the most remote in the country, and children in the community can often feel isolated. To counter this, Eric Dawud, a Health and Physical Education teacher at Hedland Senior High School, has created a number of inspiring initiatives to help enhance wellbeing, engagement and a sense of belonging for his students.
One such initiative was to revitalise student House groups. As Houses and Events Coordinator, Eric focused on increasing interest in event participation, creating a competitive spirit along with introducing House Captains. This has seen significant growth in overall participation and engagement in carnivals, which has led to the addition of new school events.
In 2023, Eric developed the “Hedland Health Education Instructional Framework” to address grade distributions and support quality teaching, leading to improved student engagement and differentiation. His dedication to professional development particularly around pedagogy, has enriched teaching practices and student outcomes.
Eric has also focused on community development, collaborating with BHP and the Town of Port Hedland to secure fitness equipment and create a fitness studio. This had led to over 182 students participating in a new fitness course and encouraged students to join the town gym, linking classroom learning with community fitness activities.
Inspired by a former teacher, Eric aims to show his students that anything is possible, even in remote settings. His innovative lessons have had a positive impact on student behaviour, engagement, and relationships. Eric aspires to expand his leadership skills and continue advocating for equal opportunities for remote education, leveraging his strengths in innovative strategies, collaboration, and community connections.