The National Education Summit’s new awards spotlight Australia’s most inspiring educators – recognising exceptional innovation in teaching and outstanding leadership across primary and secondary schools.
In 2025, the National Education Summit took a significant step forward in recognising the incredible work happening in Australian schools with the launch of its inaugural awards program.
Designed to spotlight innovation and leadership in education, the awards aim to celebrate teachers and school leaders who are driving positive change, lifting student outcomes, and shaping the future of learning.
Presented during the Brisbane and Melbourne events, the two award categories – Innovation in Teaching and Outstanding Leadership – drew nominations from across Australia.
The summit organiser, IE Group, said the calibre of finalists reflected the deep talent, creativity, and commitment within the profession.
The awards were sponsored by Elevate Education and presented in Melbourne by CEO Mr John Varvarigos.
Innovation in Teaching Award
This award celebrates educators who don’t just teach – they transform. It recognises those who use original teaching strategies to engage students, adapt to diverse learning needs, integrate technology meaningfully, and foster collaborative cultures across classrooms.
“These teachers are the pioneers,” said National Education Summit Creative Director, Ms Margo Metcalf. “They’re shaping the next generation not only through what they teach, but how they teach it.”
Three finalists were shortlisted in the Innovation in Teaching category for both Brisbane and Melbourne, each offering a powerful example of what happens when teachers are given the freedom and the support to innovate.
Brisbane Finalists
- Nattalia Godbold, Secondary Teacher, The Lakes College (QLD)
- Rebecca Weber, Seconded Teacher & School Leader, Department for Education (SA)
- Marina Swan, Prep Educator, Coomera Anglican College (QLD)
Brisbane Winner
- Marina Swan, Prep Educator, Coomera Anglican College (QLD)
For many children, their first experience of formal education is shaped by their Prep teacher – and for the youngest learners at Coomera Anglican College, that experience is in the capable hands of Ms Marina Swan.
In a calm, consistent and supportive classroom, Ms Swan brings the curriculum to life through engaging, hands-on experiences that cater to each child’s individual needs. Her approach to behaviour management is described as “thoughtful, proactive, and empowering.”
“The strength of Marina’s practice lies in her quiet, consistent brilliance,” Ms Metcalf said. “She reminds us that innovation isn’t just about high-tech tools – it’s about high-impact pedagogy.”
Melbourne Finalists
- Adam Densley, Integrated Projects Teacher, Saints College (VIC)
- Clarence Goh, Secondary Teacher Digital Technology, Plenty Valley Christian College (VIC)
- Jacqui Bowman, Classroom Teacher, St Robert’s Newtown (VIC)
Melbourne Winner
- Jacqui Bowman, Classroom Teacher, St Robert’s Newtown (VIC)
Embracing her dual role as teacher and learner, Ms Jacqui Bowman models curiosity, persistence, and joy in language learning, transforming her classroom into a dynamic, inclusive, and linguistically rich environment.
Her use of songs, stories, routines, and collaboration with a language assistant enables even the youngest learners to confidently use Italian in meaningful contexts.
Beyond the classroom, Ms Bowman shares her practice with colleagues, advocates for language learning across the school, and reflects deeply on her own development. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of teacher-led language education and lays a strong foundation for lifelong language learning in her students.
Outstanding Leadership Award
Leadership in education goes beyond management. The Outstanding Leadership Award recognises individuals who create vision, build collaborative teams, mentor others, and lead initiatives that have measurable impact on student outcomes and school culture.
“These are leaders who don’t just adapt to change – they drive it,” Ms Metcalf said. “They bring people together, create momentum, and make schools better places to learn and work.”
Three impressive finalists were recognised in this category, each representing a different but equally compelling vision of effective school leadership.
Brisbane Finalists
- Erin Caceda, Principal, Allegra School (NSW)
- Craig McBrien, Deputy Principal, Park Ridge State High School (QLD)
- Sean Curtis, Associate Principal, Marsden State High School (QLD)
Brisbane Winner
- Sean Curtis, Associate Principal, Marsden State High School (QLD)
Outstanding Leadership Award winner (Brisbane), Mr Sean Curtis.
Leading one of the largest secondary schools in the country, Mr Sean Curtis is no stranger to complexity. With more than 400 staff and almost 4,000 students, Marsden State High School operates on a scale few educators experience, yet Mr Curtis has managed to foster a high-performance culture marked by collaboration and continuous improvement.
“Leadership is about building capacity in others,” Mr Curtis said. “My job is to remove barriers, support innovation, and make sure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Under his guidance, Marsden has become known for its inclusive programs, data-driven instruction, and commitment to staff development.
“Sean leads with clarity and compassion,” noted the judges. “He’s created a school culture where both students and staff are thriving.”
Melbourne Finalists
- Sarah Anderson, Deputy Principal, St Thomas More’s Mount Eliza (VIC)
- Andrew Perks, Deputy Principal, Character and Culture, Bacchus Marsh Grammar (VIC)
- Sam Wright, Vice Principal, Students, Padua College (VIC)
Melbourne Winner
- Sam Wright, Vice Principal, Students, Padua College (VIC)
Outstanding Leadership Award winner (Melbourne), Mr Sam Wright, with Elevate Education CEO Mr John Varvarigos.
Mr Sam Wright was nominated in recognition of his visionary, innovative, and transformative leadership at Padua College. Mr Wright exemplifies a leader who not only shapes and communicates a bold vision for student wellbeing and learning but also translates that vision into tangible success through collaborative partnerships, strategic innovation, and relentless commitment to staff and student development.
Mr Wright is credited for leading a cultural shift across Padua College’s four campuses, prioritising health, wellbeing, and student connectedness as core pillars of school improvement.
Central to Mr Wright’s leadership is his ability to build strong, collaborative teams. In every facet of his work – from curriculum innovation to community outreach – he leads with authenticity, passion, and purpose. His impact is measurable in the increased resilience of students, the empowered voice of staff, and the collaborative culture that now defines Padua College.
With its inaugural awards, the National Education Summit has created a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also inspires it.
“These awards aren’t just about recognising individuals,” Ms Metcalf said. “They’re about showcasing what’s possible in Australian schools when educators are empowered to lead, innovate and collaborate.”
From Prep classrooms to large secondary campuses, the 2025 finalists represent the breadth and depth of talent in Australian education today and set the bar high for future cohorts.
If you’d like to learn when the 2026 Teacher Awards are launched join the mailing list at www.nationaleducationsummit.com.au/subscribe.
