Two Sydney Catholic school teachers were given the State's highest teaching awards at the end of this year.

Katherine Elliott from St Columba's Leichhardt North and Maria Del Moro from Marist Sisters' College, Woolwich were nominated by their peers for the 2007 Quality Teaching Awards.

Mrs Del Moro, Faculty Head teacher of English, was awarded for being an innovative, enthusiastic and inspiring teacher while Ms Elliott, Assistant Principal of St Columba's, was acknowledged for her passion of teaching and her ability to engage students with their learning, nurture their confidence and support them to achieve at a high level.

They were surprised when they found out they had won the award. Ms Elliott said it was also a "little nerve-wrecking" because they faced two school visits by assessors who would examine every aspect of their teaching.

"At least when you receive the award, I guess you really know you deserve it!" she said. "While the assessment process took almost one year, it was enlightening. The pay-off is that you learn so much about yourself.

``It made me reflect deeply on what I was doing and why, on my accomplishments and direction.''

The two teachers were among eight non-government school teachers to receive the award for 2007, and among 60 of NSW's most outstanding teachers recognised at the awards ceremony on 7 December.

At the awards ceremony in Sydney, the Minister for Education and Training, John Della Bosca congratulated the teachers on their inspirational accomplishment.

"All of today's recipients not only teach their subjects with deep knowledge and enthusiasm but also inspire students to achieve their best," he said.

"Through their efforts, students develop the skills to contribute to and become active participants in society."

The Quality Teaching Awards are open to teachers in all the state's public and private schools, TAFE colleges and universities. Anyone can nominate but the process is rigorous.

Most teachers do not take up the nomination lightly.

The awards are given to teachers who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and student achievement.