Ahead of Port Adelaide's inaugural Educators’ Round, we shine a light on five remarkable South Australian teachers who go far beyond the classroom - nominated by the families, students and colleagues who know them best.

There's a particular kind of person who chooses to spend their life shaping young minds.

They arrive early, leave late, and dedicate their lives to shaping the futures of young South Australians. They rarely ask for recognition - and that's exactly why they deserve it.

This week, as Port Adelaide prepares to celebrate its inaugural Educators’ Round, in partnership with Credit Union SA, we're proud to honour five South Australian teachers whose dedication has left an undeniable mark on the communities they serve.

They work in schools from Christie Downs to the Hills, from the beachside suburbs to the city's north, but they're united by the same quiet determination to make every child feel seen and supported.

Nominated by the families, students and colleagues who know them best, the following five teachers will be acknowledged at the Power’s Educators’ Round against West Coast by taking part in exclusive game day experiences.

Tracey Chapman - Christie Downs Primary School

For several years, Year 2/3 teacher Tracey Chapman has been doing something that most people would never know about unless they were paying close attention.

Working at Christie Downs Primary School in one of Adelaide's lower socioeconomic areas, Tracey noticed that many of her students were coming to school each day without breakfast or lunch.

So, without fanfare, and without ever making a child feel embarrassed, Tracey has been purchasing bread, butter, Vegemite, fruit and snacks from her own pocket and quietly making them available to every student who needs it.

Nominated twice by people who've witnessed this generosity firsthand, Tracey is also described by her colleagues as an educator who builds deep, meaningful relationships with every student in her care, crafting engaging, real-world learning experiences that leave kids feeling confident and capable.

Kayla Richardson - Echunga Primary School

Ask any educator and they'll tell you: Reception is one of the most important years in a child's life and is known as the year that shapes how they feel about school.

At Echunga Primary School, Kayla Richardson is the teacher entrusted with that responsibility.

Nominated by both a parent and a community member, Kayla is known for spending countless hours of her own time preparing and creating unique and meaningful experiences that give her students the very best start.

Marley Reid - West Beach Primary School

At West Beach Primary School, Marley Reid coaches the Airport District Primary School AFL team on his own time, leading them to back-to-back premierships while teaching the values that sport does best: teamwork, resilience and a genuine love for the game.

He builds bridges between school and community, and kids across the school count him as one of their favourite teachers.

But it's his work in special education that truly sets Marley apart.

Marley also thoughtfully crafts lessons for students with disabilities, adapting every session with patience and creativity to ensure each child can participate, thrive and feel genuinely included.

Christopher Caruana - Playford College

Sport has the power to open doors, and Christopher Caruana has spent his career making sure those doors are open for everyone.

As Sports Coordinator at Playford College, Chris has become a tireless advocate for Muslim students' health and fitness, fundraising on countless occasions to ensure his students can access the same local and interstate opportunities as anyone else.

Through events like the Bachar Houli Cup and the Harmony Cup, he has helped put his students on stages they might never otherwise have reached.

Nominated twice and recognised with multiple diversity awards, Chris is described by nominator Tony as "an outstanding community leader who deserves to be recognised for the often thankless work he does to ensure his community receive the same opportunities as others."

Laura Constable - Karrendi Primary School

Laura takes the time to truly know every child in her care, what makes them tick, how they learn best, who they need alongside them to flourish.

Laura’s classroom is known as a place where students go when they are having a hard day, a credit to her warm, maternal nature.

A former student, Kayden, wrote in her nominate that "she always makes sure her students feel seen, welcomed, and leave knowing they're loved. You can always find her bright face in the courtyard even on a gloomy day."