22 inspiring Australian educators were honoured at the 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards on 9 September.
Now in its eighth year, the awards are recognised as one of Australia’s most highly respected awards in education and shine a spotlight on educators who are pioneering a unique approach to teaching.
This year’s winners were selected for their ongoing commitment to transform the learning experiences and outcomes for children and young people, including an emphasis on well-being programs, strengthening family and community engagement and further developing student’s literacy, numeracy and STEM skills.
Education Minister, Hon Jason Clare MP co-hosted the award ceremony, which was held at Parliament House in Canberra.
“This is the highlight of my year. We get a chance to see some of the greatest teachers in this country being recognised for the incredible work they do in changing children’s lives every day,” Clare says.
The Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards were launched in 2016 to recognise and reward 12 outstanding teachers and school leaders across the country with the Teaching Fellowship recognition, with 10 Early Career Teaching Scholarships for teachers with less than five years in the profession introduced in 2022.
The 22 Award winners were shortlisted from more than 500 applicants and nominees, and will receive:
- Teaching Fellowship – Valued at $40,000, the Teaching Fellowship includes $25,000 to fund a strategic school project as well as a 12-month professional development program, including coaching and engagement with leading education experts to help further develop skills, networks and capabilities.
- Early Career Teaching awards – A scholarship worth $10,000, including a study tour to high performing schools in Australia, an exclusive leadership, learning and mentoring program and $5,000 for professional development chosen by the teacher.
“It’s truly an honour to see The Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards, presented by Schools Plus, come to life for the eighth consecutive year. Schools Plus aims to ensure every child has the right to the same opportunities so they can thrive in school and beyond. This year’s award winners have redefined what it means to lead in education, setting a new standard in learning and improving children’s well-being in urban, rural, regional and remote communities and with First Nations children across the country,” says Schools Plus Chief Executive Officer Sherrill Nixon.
Schools Plus was founded following a recommendation in the first Gonski Review, which identified a need for philanthropic funding in schools to help close the education gap caused by disadvantage.
Nixon told EducationDaily that recognising and honouring achievements of Australian teachers is important.
“Teachers have a profound impact on children’s lives and their success at school and beyond – you just can’t overstate it,” she says.
“We all remember the teacher who believed in us and helped us believe in ourselves. The Teaching Awards acknowledge their dedication and hard work but also inspires other educators to strive for excellence and have a greater impact on children and young people.”
She says this year’s cohort of teachers were noted for their “ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion, creating equitable learning opportunities and ensuring all students, regardless of background or ability, can succeed”.
“We are seeing some incredible work to boost student wellbeing and strengthen family and community engagement, especially around the transition spaces where a lot of students can feel quite vulnerable, i.e. early years transition or transition to high school,” Nixon told EducationDaily.
“We are also seeing a common theme around programs that support students from First Nations backgrounds, rural and remote areas, migrant communities, and those who speak English as a second language or need additional support for mental health or learning abilities.”
The 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards winners are:
Teaching Fellows:
- Adelaide Ford, Nawarddeken Academy, NT
- Cameron Paterson, Wesley College, VIC
- Carolyn Wilson, Woodberry Public School, NSW
- Georgia Park, Cosgrove High School, TAS
- Ian Kent, Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School, SA
- Josh Salter, Burnie High School, TAS
- Julie Peel, Milpera State High School, QLD
- Lisa Hurst, Holy Spirit College, QLD
- Mai Anh Lu, Lansvale Public School, NSW
- Natalie Wise, Belle Vue Park Primary School, VIC
- Sarah Corry, Henbury School, NT
- Stephanie Le Lievre, Serpentine Primary School, WA
Early Career Teachers:
- Cameron Rodgers, Sarah Redfern High School, NSW
- Courtenay Peters, St Lucy’s School, NSW
- Dev Ansh Tiwari, Katherine High School, NT
- Eric Dawud, Hedland Senior High School, WA
- George Allen, Cobram Secondary College, VIC
- Jack Maslen, Finley High School, NSW
- Loren Wareing, Indulkana Anangu School, SA
- Louise Hobbs, Goroke P-12 College, VIC
- Rebecca Johnson, John Paul II Catholic School, TAS
- Tiffany Wye, Shoalhaven High School, NSW
The 2024 winners join a distinguished list of Alumni who have all been nationally recognised as leaders in their field, enabling equity in opportunity for children and young people in school communities across the country.
“These awards recognise the extraordinary work of some of Australia’s most innovative educators. Their dedication to shaping and nurturing the next generation is inspirational,” says Nathan Barker, Head of Community Investment Commonwealth Bank.
Award-winning passion for education
Teacher Rebecca Johnson, John Paul II Catholic School (Hobart), says her passion for teaching stems from her “belief in providing quality education and witnessing the joy children experience as they learn to read”.
“Being awarded the Early Career Teaching scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me, as it supports my growth in evidence-based literacy strategies and enables me to pursue further professional development,” Johnson told EducationDaily.
“I hope to use this opportunity to eventually mentor new teachers and one day become a principal.”
At Tasmania’s Burnie High School, award-winning teacher Josh Salter says he loves teaching because of the “profound reward of seeing students grow, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential”.
“The chance to positively impact their lives and contribute to the community drives me every day,” Salter told EducationDaily.
“Receiving this honour is deeply humbling and a testament to the incredible team I work with. I’m excited to stand alongside other award recipients, learn from their experience, and continue growing as an educator.”
