Teacher Awards - Recognising Excellence in Education

Celebrating innovative teachers and outstanding leaders at the 2025 National Education Summit in Brisbane and Melbourne

Do you know an educator who’s making a real difference in the classroom or in leadership? The National Education Summit Teacher Awards 2025 recognise the outstanding teachers and leaders who go above and beyond to inspire students and shape the future of education in two key categories:

  1. Innovation in Teaching

  2. Outstanding Leadership

Teacher Award Finalists have been announced!

Melbourne – Innovation in Teaching

  • Adam Densley, VCE VM Integrated Projects Teacher, Saints College

  • Jacqui Bowman, Teacher, St Robert’s Newtown

  • Clarence Goh, Teacher, Plenty Valley Christian College

Melbourne – Outstanding Leadership

  • Sarah Anderson, Deputy Principal, St Thomas More’s Mount Eliza

  • Sam Wright, Vice Principal, Padua College

  • Andrew Perks, Deputy Principal, Bacchus Marsh Grammar

Brisbane – Innovation in Teaching

  • Rebecca Weber, Seconded Teacher & School Leader, DfE (Department of Education) SA

  • Marina Swan, Educator Coomera Anglican College

  • Nattalia Godbold, Secondary Teacher, The Lakes College

Brisbane – Outstanding Leadership

  • Sean Curtis, Associate Principal, Marsden State High School

  • Erin Caceda, Principal, Allegra School

  • Craig McBrien, Deputy Principal, Park Ridge State High School

Winners will be announced at the National Education Summit Social in Brisbane and Melbourne in 2025.

Category 1: Innovation in Teaching Award

For this award, judges will be looking for:

  • Creative Teaching Methods that inspire students and enhance engagement in the classroom

  • Techniques that adapt to diverse learning needs and styles

  • Integration of Technology to creative dynamic learning experiences

  • Creation of unique and original curriculum materials or activities

  • Encouraging collaboration among students or between educators

  • Evidence of improved student outcomes or skills development

Category 2: Outstanding Leadership Award

For this award, judges will be looking for:

  • Create and communicate vision and innovation in your school

  • Positive influence on student success and staff development

  • Demonstrate success in building strong teams encouraging collaboration

  • Ability to inspire, empower, and mentor

  • Contribution to advancing the teaching profession

  • Success in initiatives such as student achievement improvements, school development and community engagement

Prizes for Winners and Finalists

All finalists (3 per category) in Brisbane and Melbourne will receive:

  • Complimentary registration to one of the Conferences being held at the Summit and attendance at Summit Social

With thanks to our Brisbane Sponsor Be Challenged,
Brisbane Category Winners will receive:

  • Trophy

  • Certificate of Recognition

  • $250 Gift Card

With thanks to our Melbourne Sponsor Elevate Education,
Melbourne Category Winners will receive:

  • Trophy

  • Certificate of Recognition

  • $500 JB HiFi Gift Card

Celebrate with Us at the Awards Ceremony

Finalists will be invited to the Summit Social Networking Event at the conclusion of Day 1 of the Summit.

  • Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm

  • Event Details: Winners will be announced and prizes awarded. Media partners will be onsite for photo opportunities and coverage.