Louisa Van Herwaarde teaches in one of the most complex learning environments – delivering and shaping disability-focused education within correction settings.
Named Kangan Institute’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Louisa works with women with cognitive impairments, acquired brain injuries and experiences of complex trauma.
Her ability to create spaces where learners feel safe, supported and ready to give learning another chance is central to her impact as an educator. Louisa uses a range of teaching techniques, including music and visual aids, to engage different learning styles.
“I have to support them in whatever their learning style is,” Louisa said.
With over 16 years of experience, Louisa has seen firsthand the difference education can make. For her, the most meaningful achievements are the moments when learners choose to participate, back themselves and keep coming back because they want to learn.
"When I saw students waiting outside the classroom before I arrived because they wanted to be there, I knew I'd hit the mark," said Louisa.
There's still plenty more that Louisa wants to do. She plans to keep supporting learners for years to come and eventually help train the next generation of teachers.
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