Australia’s Best Teachers 2024: Celebrating the nation’s inspiring teachers
From keeping noodle cups in drawers for hungry students, to supporting parents through family tragedies, these teachers go above and beyond. NOMINATE NOW and SEE OUR BEST TEACHERS LIST
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Australia’s Best Teachers is a News Corp Australia campaign celebrating incredible educators across the country.
Supported by corporate partners Officeworks, Teachers Mutual Bank and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, the advocacy initiative is helping elevate the status of teachers and recognise the critical work they do.
In no particular order, here is a list of some of Australia’s Best Teachers. We thank them for their commitment to educating and mentoring Australia’s children.
Australia’s Best Teachers campaign is back: Nominate now
James Quigley, Stella Maris Parish School, SA
Principal Quigley is renowned for his unwavering commitment to fostering inclusion for neurodiverse children.
His passion shines through in the personalised attention and care he devotes to ensuring every child feels comfortable and supported. His dedication extends to parents, as he actively involves them in the process. His tireless efforts make Stella Maris a beacon of inclusivity and support for all. - nominated by Jaimi-Lee Muir
Kylie Maher, Narooma High School, NSW
Believing in her students, showing them what’s possible and committing to making every opportunity a reality, is what makes Kylie Maher one of the nation’s best teachers.
Her outstanding expertise, dedication and passion extends to spending weekends and holidays to guide and encourage students in developing their love and commitment to Agricultural studies, gaining impressive consecutive results in the winner’s circle at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show.
She also helped students in achieving top honours in the state’s 2023 HSC.
Cat Fleming, Pomonal Primary School, Victoria
Ms Fleming left Melbourne for a teaching tree change at rural Pomonal Primary School near Hall’s Gap — but after just 17 days found herself in the middle of a raging bushfire disaster zone. And amid the fire, smoke, fear and confusion, Ms Fleming found herself.
“It was the right move for me and I don’t go back on that despite how difficult term 1 was this year,” Ms Fleming, 64, said.
Moving for the teaching job was spur of the moment. After surviving aggressive breast cancer five years ago and a mix of personal and professional difficulties, Ms Fleming found herself reading a ‘Come work for us’ sign out the front of the Pomonal school.
“I sat there and though, ‘yeah, I want to’. I have always wanted to work remotely and I was up for a challenge.”
Diana Backhouse, Nursery Road State Special School, QLD
Special education teacher Diana Backhouse has dedicated her career to helping children with communication challenges find their unique voice.
Ms Backhouse trained as an early years teacher but was inspired by her son Tim, who has Angelman syndrome, to pursue further studies in special education, specialising in complex communication needs.
“I knew Tim was going to remain non-verbal and I wanted to learn how to teach him literacy and how to communicate without words,” she said.
“Literacy is the foundation of communication. When you know how to read and write, you have the freedom to communicate anything you want to.”
Ms Backhouse now not only uses a range of low and hi-tech devices to help students find ways to effectively express themselves, but also provides training for families and teachers in the field.
“For staff, I conduct workshops on how to introduce alternative communication into a classroom and how to be a good communication partner to those with complex communication needs,” she said.
Ms Back-house has been recognised in this year’s Australia’s Best Teachers campaign for her dedication.
Julie Brown, Holy Spirit Community School, Victoria
My son had Julie for two years and during that time I lost my Dad and my son lost his grandfather. She was so supportive of both of us and even encouraged the class to make us a special card. She went above and beyond in every single way. It’s teachers like her that help make and shape awesome kids. Thank you, Julie, you’re a superstar.
– nominated by Nancy Aloi
Craig Mulder, Corrimal High School, NSW
When a fire ripped through Corrimal High School’s Industrial Arts workshops, destroying valuable equipment and student projects, it could have spelled despair for the school in the heart of Wollongong’s low socio-economic area.
Instead, Craig Mulder, head teacher of TAS (technology and applied studies) said amid the ashes of the 2018 fire a resilient spirit emerged.
“It was devastating to wake up and hear the news that building was gone. We lost everything in the fire … but we needed to keep the students’ education going,” Mr Mulder said.
Now the school boasts two trade training centres, in metal and construction, in a state-of-the-art industrial arts complex.
The local community even helped to replace the coffee machine, as the former building had also served as a relaxation zone for teachers and students.
Harry Smith, Mango Hill State School, QLD
You are the best teacher because you always listen to everyone. If they are in need you make everyone feel like they are special and will help them. You are always so kind and always make it fun when you put in movement breaks. I like that you always make me feel safe because you never raise your voice at anyone and you make sure everyone has a place to go at break time even if you had to come and join our games. You always try and make Fridays fun.
– nominated by Ariella Dalzell
Brendan Lee, Mulgoa Public School, Mulgoa NSW
Brendan is a passionate educator who supports teachers in a number of settings with class support, professional learning and expertise. He frequently presents at ‘Sharing Best Practice’ workshops on weekends and running a podcast and Facebook page which gives teachers across the country access to professional literature and interviews with experts in the education arena.Brendan is an asset to our system.
– nominated by Justine Blackley
Virginia Grantham, Nazareth Catholic College, Kidman Park, SA
Virginia goes above and beyond for her students. She is recognisable across the board and continues to spend both school time and away from school time to devise ways to empower her teaching. She connects with students on a general level and acts as a friend in moments of need and a staff member in moments of learning.
– nominated by Dion Lobianco
Chiara Brown, St Joseph’s, Barmera SA
Miss Brown has embraced her love of teaching in the rural Riverland area by instilling a love of literacy in children and a love of school in a bid to improve attendance rates in a low SES community. She is well respected by her peers and loved by all students whose journeys began with her love of literacy and excellence and loving care. She purchased shoes and food for a student in need.
- nominated by Julie Brown
Molly Brown, Simonds College, Melbourne
She always looks after students if students don’t have lunch. She keeps noodle cups in her office so students can eat. She spends her money to throw parties for her homeroom and other activities. She is always there for people who just need to talk and supports them the best as she can.
- nominated by Araba Garang
John Bawden, Portland Central School, Portland
John is an exemplary Visual Arts Teacher who is able to provide differentiated instruction to all students in order to achieve significant outcomes, including Art Making practice.
In 2023, one of the three students who studied Visual Arts had their work selected for Art Express. This is a consistent achievement across the cohorts with John exemplifying high expectations for all students. John is able to provide quality instruction which overcomes the barriers of disadvantage.
- nominated by Debbie-Lee Hughes
Lia McQualter, Our Lady of the Rosary, Kyneton, Victoria
My eldest child started prep this year and not only has Mrs McQualter been incredibly patient and kind but has inspired him with the start of his education. She has already figured out the best way to use my very busy little boy’s strengths to help him learn. She is welcoming, kind and just a beautiful teacher.
- nominated by Elise Law
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Originally published as Australia’s Best Teachers 2024: Celebrating the nation’s inspiring teachers
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