Kylie Walters

Maths Teacher, Allegra School Coffs Harbour

Kylie Walters isn’t just a math teacher; she’s a creator of mathematical experiences. For 15 years at Allegra School, a special assistance school, Kylie has transformed subject into a hands-on adventure. Her classroom buzzes with activity, more akin to an art studio than a traditional math lesson. Students aren’t just passively absorbing formulas; they’re actively applying them to real-world projects. From designing Joey Pouches for Wildcare Australia to laser printing 3D objects at varying scales, Kylie’s students discover the practical magic of mathematics. As nominator Kellie Green, a fellow teacher, observes, “I have never met a more creative, resourceful and tireless teacher than Kylie Walters. She is groundbreaking.” Kylie’s dedication to making math accessible and enjoyable for every student, regardless of their learning needs, sets her apart.

Kylie’s path to teaching was a natural progression of her innate desire to share knowledge. “It’s always been teaching, all through the various stages of my career,” she reflects. Even as a child, she would gather her younger siblings to play school, eager to impart the excitement of learning. Her journey to Allegra began with a secretarial course and a serendipitous opportunity to teach computing studies. This led her to pursue degrees in computing and then mathematics, a subject she initially struggled with. Kylie’s personal experience with math anxiety fuels her empathy and understanding for her students. She recalls her own calculus teacher telling her it was too hard, a challenge she met with resilience, working her way through math textbooks at the library until she not only passed but earned a Distinction. This experience taught her the importance of finding different ways to explain concepts, a skill she hones daily for her students.

What truly drives Kylie is the “daily little sparkles,” those moments of breakthrough and increased confidence she witnesses in her students. She understands the power of connection, inspired by her own experience with a music teacher who saw her potential and helped her through a difficult time. Just as that teacher made a difference in her life, Kylie strives to make a difference in the lives of her students. Balancing her studies with raising four children, Kylie’s dedication to her profession is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her students and the transformative power of education.