The Department of Education honoured those working in educational therapy in public education this week in recognition of World Behaviour Analysis Day.

Educational therapists and educational therapist assistants were treated to a surprise luncheon in what organisers say will become an annual tradition.

The inaugural event, held at the Kalmar Richards Conference Room on the CedarBridge Academy campus, named for the Commissioner of Education, was pulled together by Declan Harris, an educational officer for behaviour, with the Department of Education.

Mr Harris said: “Educational therapists bridge the gap between academics and emotional regulation.

“By identifying the root causes of disruptions, they provide targeted interventions for neurodivergent or struggling students with behavioural concerns.

“They empower teachers with de-escalation tools and help students master self-regulation, shifting school culture from reactive discipline to proactive, inclusive support. ETs play a vital role in our schools that is often unheralded.”

T’Neil Dickinson, an Educational Therapist at The Berkeley Institute, said: “It was great to be recognised by the Department of the Education for the hard work that we contribute to the greater whole of education.”

Don Vickers, from Elliot Primary School, added: “This is a great show of appreciation and gratitude for the work that’s done by educational therapists, and the services that we do provide.

“It’s a thankless job, so it’s good to be celebrated and why not be celebrated a bit more?”

Lisa Swan, assistant director of safety, health and wellness, was unable to attend the luncheon but sent a special recorded message to the group thanking them for the difficult work that they do on a daily basis.

The honourees expressed gratitude for the recognition, appreciation and affirmation that the event delivered.

Lashonna Smith, who works at The Berkeley Institute, added: “The educational therapists and educational therapist assistants do incredible, life-changing work in the school system, so it’s a great opportunity to pause, to reflect, and to say thank you to each and every one of us who serve in this capacity.”