Sheree Payne, long time sports co-ordinator at Kiama Public School, has been named as the Teacher of the Year in the NRL Community Awards.

For many years, she has integrated various opportunities offered by rugby league, through both the NRL and the St George Illawarra Dragons, into the School's sports program.

"The opportunities are not only with the actual sport, but also things like the Dragons' Best You Can Be journals, which teaches kids all about healthy eating, mental well being, staying physically active," she says.

"That connects to everyone, no matter what sport they are into."

NRL development officers visit the school to educate students and teach them how to play, and arrange gala days.

"They set up a really inclusive environment so you don't have to be involved outside the school to still participate," says Sheree.

High School students are utilised by Sheree as referees and coaches for the primary school children and NRL Development Officers are invited to run sporting clinics, while NRL staff are invited to be part of student leadership days.

Growing up with all boys in her family, Sheree says she it was inevitable that she would love rugby league, although in her youth there were no opportunities for women.

"My dad played for the Kiama Knights and all my brothers did as well.

"Now my three girls do."

She says that as a former student, she enjoys being able to put back into the school.