Jennifer Ashenden
Department of Education
Jenny is a long term Territorian, having grown up in Darwin from 1982 until her next adventure took her to Alice Springs in 1993. After graduating from the Northern Territory (NT) University (now Charles Darwin University) Bradshaw Primary School was her first posting. She then had the honour of working at Larapinta Primary School when it opened in 1998. Jenny’s journey included time as a senior teacher in the department supporting technology use in classrooms and then returning to Larapinta as the Teacher in Charge at the preschool.
Notable achievements include:
- winning the NT Education and Care Award for Outstanding Education and Care in Preschool in 2015 (Larapinta)
- being instrumental in leading Larapinta Preschool to achieve a nationally recognised exceeding rating during their first assessment and rating
- helping develop the NT preschool curriculum document now used throughout the NT
- participating in the national Early Learning STEM Australia project giving several presentations on the national stage.
Jenny’s new journey is as the Stay Play Learn teacher working with children and their families at Sadadeen Primary in Alice Springs.
When asked, she attributes her lengthy career to lifelong friendships, working with inspirational people, her enjoyment for showcasing quality early childhood education both locally and nationally, making a difference in literally thousands of children’s lives, and being privileged to work in some of the most picturesque Territory landscapes. She is truly grateful for her Territory teaching career.
