Frankston East Primary School principal Mr Warren Bull has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to supporting students experiencing disadvantage at the 31st National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA), sponsored by Futurity Investment Group.
Mr Bull received The Smith Family–NEiTA Award for Powering Potential, along with a $10,000 professional development grant from the NEiTA Foundation. Created in partnership with The Smith Family, the award celebrates educators who go above and beyond to help children facing disadvantage achieve their potential.
“It was a lovely surprise to learn I had won a National Excellence in Teaching Award. I had no idea I was nominated,” Mr Bull said.
“The Frankston East Primary School team is very passionate about giving our students the tools to succeed. Our classrooms are safe spaces, where students are seen and understood, and can achieve the best possible outcomes.”
A respected educator and mentor, The Smith Family said Mr Bull has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion and student wellbeing throughout his career.
“He has worked to remove barriers for students facing complex challenges by arranging uniforms, learning adjustments and meals, and by connecting families with external agencies,” the registered charity said.
“His leadership in the strategic use of equity and mental health funding has helped transform outcomes across the school, supporting targeted literacy and numeracy interventions, wellbeing programs and mentoring initiatives.”
Beyond his work with students, Mr Bull is recognised as a generous mentor to colleagues, modelling inclusive practice and fostering a culture where staff feel confident to meet diverse needs. His calm and consistent presence has become a source of strength for both staff and students.
NEiTA Foundation Chairperson Ms Catherine O’Sullivan said Mr Bull exemplified the impact of exceptional teaching.
“Warren is a talented, passionate, and life-changing force in education. His ability to motivate, educate, and inspire strengthens the Frankston community and leaves a lasting mark on countless students,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
Mr Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family, said Mr Bull embodied the spirit of the award.
“Warren’s unwavering commitment shines a light on the transformational role teachers play in enriching young lives through education. He embodies the spirit of the Powering Potential Award,” Mr Taylor said.
The Smith Family works with more than 781 partner schools and 72,000 students nationally, including 14 schools in Frankston, supporting more than 830 local students through its Learning for Life program.
For more than three decades, NEiTA has recognised over 1,110 exceptional educators and awarded $1.5 million in professional development grants. The program is Australia and New Zealand’s longest-running community-based awards initiative, giving parents and communities the opportunity to acknowledge remarkable teachers.
