Shaping tomorrow’s classrooms: Celebrating Australia’s most transformative educators

On 3 September, 12 inspirational educators from across Australia were recognised at the 2025 Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Commonwealth Bank, one of the nation’s most prestigious honours in education. These teachers and school leaders have been celebrated for their powerful, lasting contributions to children’s learning and wellbeing, both in and beyond the classroom.

Led by national education non-profit Schools Plus with support from Commonwealth Bank and some of Australia’s leading philanthropists led by David Gonski, the Awards honour exceptional educators whose innovative teaching practices and leadership are transforming student outcomes and shaping futures, and particularly for those in disadvantaged communities.

Marking its ninth year, the 2025 Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Commonwealth Bank were held at Parliament House in Canberra and co-hosted for the third year by Education Minister, Hon Jason Clare MP. Each of the 12 Award recipients took home a prestigious $20,000 prize, including $10,000 to design a high-impact school visit program and an exclusive placement in a year-long Teaching Fellowship.

Sherrill Nixon, Chief Executive Officer, Schools Plus, said: “It’s a privilege to once again celebrate some of the most inspiring educators in the country. These Awards are about more than individual excellence – they spotlight the innovative approaches reshaping education to ensure every child in Australia has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.”

Shortlisted from hundreds of nominations received nationwide, this year’s winners stood out for their commitment to equity and inclusion, data-informed practical innovation, deep community connection, and tangible student impact. From remote Aboriginal communities to urban schools, these educators are creating new pathways for literacy, numeracy, and STEM learning – especially for children and young people in under-resourced communities.

Some key achievements of the 2025 cohort of winners include using culturally responsive and trauma informed teaching practices in remote areas, drawing on adaptive AI-driven technologies to support students with complex learning needs, and embedding research-informed practices to boost re-engagement in classrooms. Many are also spearheading professional development programs for fellow educators while scaling their approaches across schools, regions and communities, helping to shift practice and outcomes more broadly across the industry.

“This year’s Teaching Fellows represent a new wave of leaders who are embracing the future of education – from using new tools and technologies to build future-focused skills, to deepening community and cultural connections. We’re thrilled to acknowledge their impact and the vital role they play in shaping the future of education in Australia.” Nixon continued.

The winners of the 2025 Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Commonwealth Bank are:

•       Colleen O’Rourke, The Hills Community Christian School, SA (Peramangk)
•       Emma Davis, Parnngurr Community School, WA (Martu)
•       Holly Wedd, Orara High School, NSW (Gumbaynggirr)
•       Jade Bassett, Rutherford Technology High School, NSW (Wonnarua)
•       Kim Brady, novo Education Space, NSW (Dharawal)
•       Lisa Holt, Rosebud Secondary College, VIC (Boon Wurrung/Bunurong)
•       Michael Ha, Toogoolawa School, QLD (Yugambeh)
•       Rachel Byrne, Hunter Sports High School, NSW (Awabakal)
•       Russ Taunton, Corrimal High School, NSW (Dharawal)
•       Teresa Maiolo, Avenues College, SA (Kaurna)
•       Tina Coumbe, Crib Point Primary School, VIC (Boon Wurrung)
•       Kristie De Brenni, Queensland Pathways State College, QLD (Kalkadoon, Bindal, Wulgurukaba, Jarowair, Giabal, Wakka, Ugarapul, Yuggera, Turrbal, Kabi Kabi)

The 2025 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.

For more information on the Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Commonwealth Bank, visit www.teachingawards.com.au