Employer: TAFE NSW
Samara Coulter is Head Teacher, Literacy at TAFE NSW Ultimo, where she leads language, literacy, numeracy and digital practice across a diverse vocational education environment. She has transformed foundation skills assessment by overseeing more than 280 customised learner profiles aligned with the Australian Core Skills Framework and authentic vocational materials. These tools help teaching teams understand student readiness, refine assessment, plan support and connect learning with course and industry demands.
Samara works across vocational sections to embed foundation skills within teaching rather than treating them as separate remedial support. She has also designed contextualised pathway programs for Nursing, Electrotechnology, Ageing and Disabilities, and Community Services, alongside digital capability initiatives for disadvantaged learners.
Her approaches have influenced practice beyond Ultimo and are being adapted across TAFE NSW locations. Through evidence-informed leadership, teacher mentoring and strong community partnerships, Samara advances inclusive, practical education that supports student progression, employment readiness and workforce participation.