Australia’s best teachers: See the Victorian educators ranked among the nation’s best
In classrooms and school yards these educators inspire our children to learn, dream and connect. Now after thousands of nominations — we shine a light on some of the state’s best.
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In classrooms and school yards across Australia they inspire our children to learn, dream and stay connected.
But many teachers continue to feel undervalued and unsupported.
New research – revealed in this year’s Australia’s Best Teachers series – found three in four educators love being an educator and feels it’s a fulfilling career.
Yet only three in 10 teachers feel they are valued, supported and positively portrayed in society.
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The research found the vast majority of parents believe the right educator can truly shape a child’s future, with passionate, skilled teachers seen as the single biggest influence on learning outcomes and success.
Recognising, celebrating and elevating the status of teachers has been the core purpose of our Australia’s Best Teachers series since it launched. Now in its third year, the series continues to profile the positive impact teachers have and illustrates why celebrating their work has a profound impact.
“This year’s Australia’s Best Teachers campaign has shone a spotlight on some of the most inspiring and dedicated educators across the country,” Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools executive director Dr Edward Simons said.
“With more than 2500 nominations across our 300 primary and secondary schools, each is a testament to the lasting impact our teachers have shaping young hearts and minds, and opening doors to brighter futures.”
VICTORIA’S TOP TEACHERS
RUTH CHAMBERS
Music teacher Ruth Chambers says her mission to bring First Nations perspectives into her South Gippsland school’s curriculum is “one of the most exciting achievements” of her 37-year career. This has included developing programs of song and dance for her students that incorporate music, language and games from the local Boon Wurrung/Bunurong community. She was named Outstanding Primary Teacher at the 2023 Victorian Education Excellence Awards for this work.
EBONY PETERS
Ebony Peters is proud to have been crowned Outstanding Early Primary Career Teacher at 2024’s Victorian Education Excellence Awards for her dedication to student-centred learning, wellbeing and inclusion. Since starting at Bourchier Street in 2022 as a Grade 5 teacher, she has also taken on the role of wellbeing leader. Her achievements include launching a student-led podcast, and implementing a “restorative practice” policy aimed at ensuring every student feels valued, heard and supported at school.
ANTHONY MERLINO
Since taking the role of head of English at his inner-Melbourne school this year, Anthony Merlino has made a profound impact on students of varying abilities. He has implemented curriculum and teaching initiatives that support English teachers to extend high-ability students’ writing skills, and launched a program based on the science of language and literacy to bolster reading/writing skills of at-need cohorts. He began teaching at Richmond High in 2023, and was named Outstanding Early Career Secondary Teacher at last year’s Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
JACQUIE BURROWS
Jacquie Burrows was judged the most outstanding school educator in Victoria at last year’s Education Excellence Awards, for leading “the building of an exemplary instructional culture at Churchill Primary School, guided by the strong belief that all children can learn”. A teacher since 2003, and principal of the Latrobe Valley school in regional Victoria over the past eight years, she says she is most proud of “improving outcomes for students in a school that is considered disadvantaged”.
ROBERT ZAAR
Robert Zaar is a beloved and well-respected religious education teacher who creates personal connections with students. His positive, supportive approach makes everyone feel welcomed, respected and inspired to learn.
PIER BOURNE
Pier Bourne is passionate about making school accessible and the classroom fulfilling and enjoyable. She prioritises the needs of her students above all and is an asset to her community.
NICOLE MORCOM
Nicole Morcom brings three decades of dedication to St Monica’s College as an exceptional educator and mentor. She has had an enormous impact on the professional development of colleagues and her passion for teaching is infectious.
EILEEN MARNER
Eileen Marner creates nurturing classrooms where children thrive academically and emotionally. Her patient, creative approach builds lifelong learning foundations while maintaining strong communication with families, making lasting impacts on students’ character, confidence and development.
ANDREA DOWLING
Andrea Dowling is a knowledgeable educator who understands each student’s needs, guiding their whole-person development. Her cultural sensitivity, community involvement, and approachable nature strengthen the school community.
DOLORES HODGSON
Dolores builds relationships with her students based on trust, respect and care. She sees each child individually, celebrating small wins and supporting their academic, emotional and social growth.
Australia’s Best Teachers is presented in partnership with Officeworks, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Education Perfect and Big Ass Fans.
Originally published as Australia’s best teachers: See the Victorian educators ranked among the nation’s best
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