Geraldton woman in the running for award

After a round or two with skin cancer, former swim teacher Kym Coulthard decided she could not handle any more sun.

So, 14 years ago, she swapped the pool for the classroom and has not looked back since.

“I work with special-needs children, as an education assistant,” Ms Coulthard, right, said.

“Particularly in my school’s autism program, where I help empower the children.”

Ms Coulthard has been at Waggrakine Primary School for two years, following another two-year stint working in the mental health space as a family support worker.

Before that, the 51-year-old spent a decade helping students at Holland Street School, Geraldton’s only school that specialises in teaching students with a diagnosed intellectual disability.

With countless hours under her belt helping Geraldton’s special-needs children, Ms Coulthard has attracted the attention of the State Government.

She is in the running to be named WA Education Assistant of the Year, while Dongara District High School’s Jane Ganfield is in the group vying for Secondary Teacher of the Year. The WA Education Award winners will be announced on October 28.