Today, 22 outstanding teachers are being recognised for their leadership, innovation and tenacious commitment to their students and communities at the 2022 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards.
In partnership with national charity Schools Plus, the 2022 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards celebrates and rewards educators for demonstrating teaching excellence and helping to address the education gap in schools across the country.
These remarkable teachers have gone above and beyond in spite of unique challenges from an unprecedented year. Faced with devastating natural disasters and ongoing classroom disruptions due to Covid, these teachers were quick to adopt innovative and resilient education practices that fostered personal connection with students, asserting their place among the best in the country.
Their initiatives include everything from developing unique learning programs such as ‘Annual Mathematics Olympics’ and ‘Project Medical School’, to pioneering new eSports and drone technology courses. In a thread of commonality, this year’s cohort of Award winners are committed to equality and inclusivity, developing programs where students of all learning abilities and backgrounds can engage, learn and feel supported.
This year, and for the past six years, the Awards have recognised 12 outstanding teachers with a $45,000 Teaching Fellowship to fund a strategic program in their school and provide unique opportunities for professional development.
In addition, this year saw the introduction of a new awards category for teachers in the first five years of their profession. 10 Early Career Teachers who have the commitment, potential and passion to make a significant impact in classrooms have received $10,000 for professional development and mentoring.
While many of the 2021 Award recipients were recognised for improving outcomes through virtual learning when the pandemic hit, many of this year’s recipients have supported students in their transition from remote learning back to in-person learning in the classroom.
Luke Schepen, Head of Community Investment Commonwealth Bank, said: “The Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards recognise outstanding educators who go above and beyond to nurture young minds for a bright future.
“Many of us will have fond memories of teachers who made a profound impact on our lives, encouraging us to achieve and prepare us for our future careers. Teachers and educators play such a vital role in preparing the next generation to meet the demands of an evolving workforce, economy and society and we congratulate our 2022 Award recipients for their exceptional contribution to schools across the country,” Mr Schepen said.
Rosemary Conn, Chief Executive Officer, Schools Plus, said: “We are delighted to celebrate these inspirational teachers, who share our commitment to addressing the education gap in areas of disadvantage, particularly over the past two challenging years. Schools Plus is proud to support schools and teachers who have shown innovation, resilience and tireless commitment to their students.”
The 22 Award recipients have been selected from more than 2000 educators who were nominated for their outstanding contribution to their schools and broader communities. The 2022 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award winners are:
Teaching Fellows:
- Trent Cowley, Kingston State School, QLD
- Jenna Cullen, Marsden State High School, QLD
- Daniel Edwards, Montello Primary School, TAS
- Toni Hatten-Roberts, Mastery Schools Australia, QLD
- Adrian Casten, Burnside State High School, QLD
- Michael Hornby, Mabel Park State High School, QLD
- Brendan Kenna, Wilmot Road Primary School, VIC
- Peter Langham, Monterey Secondary College, VIC
- Fransina Norval, Tennant Creek High School, NT
- Ian Preston, Murrumbidgee Regional High School, NSW
- Stephanie Salazar, John Purchase Public School, NSW
- Shane Wilson, Marble Bar Primary School, WA
Early Career Teachers:
- Holly Millican, South Grafton High School, NSW
- Lauren Walters, St Agnes Catholic High School, NSW
- Kylie Chatfield, Christmas Island District High School, WA
- Liudmyla Kovalev, Loganlea State High School, QLD
- Stella Ding, The Ponds High School, NSW
- Alys Tipler, Browns Plains State High School, QLD
- Justin Betts, Sunnybank State High School, QLD
- Claire Vogan, Minyerri School, NT
- Jessica Cridland, Monterey Secondary College, VIC
- Kathleen O’Rourke, Cootamundra Public School, NSW
The 2022 winners will join 60 alumni from previous cohorts, who have all been nationally recognised as leaders in their field and made a real difference to the future of their students.