Australia’s best teachers: NSW educators named among the country’s best

In school yards across the state, Sydney educators inspire our children to learn, dream and connect. Now after thousands of nominations — we shine a light on some of NSW’s best.

Our students are in good hands, with Australia’s finest teachers variously described in their “report cards” as inspiring, empowering, supportive and sensitive. These remarkable educators are having a profound impact on our children

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.

RELATED: How AI is helping teachers in our schools

New research – revealed as part of 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.

The research, titled The Forces Shaping Education and conducted by News Corp Australia’s Growth Intelligence Centre, also 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.

“Education shapes every aspect of our lives, and it starts with great teachers,” Education Perfect CEO Jonathan Morgan said.

“At a time when classrooms face growing challenges, we must support our teachers with evidence-backed technology.”

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.

Professor Carolyn Evans, the vice chancellor and president of Griffith University in Queensland, says the series is playing a vital role in attracting and retaining teachers to the profession.

“The rest of us can play our part by making sure that the great teachers who are out there and who make such a difference in the lives of our children know how much we appreciate them,” Evans said.

NSW’s TOP TEACHERS

  

CRAIG BUTLER

Eagle Vale High School, Sydney

Craig Butler.

Craig Butler’s deep community roots and empathy have helped him build Eagle Vale High, in Sydney’s southwest, into NSW’s newest public sports high school. He says students who can commit to sport tend to commit to everything they do. “It gives students a good grounding to be successful after school,” he says.

MADELEINE LONERAGAN

St Brendan’s, Lake Munmorah

Kindergarten teacher Madeleine Loneragan considers the needs of individual students with a strong focus on wellbeing. Personable and fun, she excels in restorative practice in the reflection room. A passionate and experienced teacher, she’s reliable, knowledgeable and professional.

CHRISSY DIBLEY

Karuah Public School

Chrissie Dibley

Kindy teacher Chrissy Dibley is so passionate about teaching that she spends countless hours developing her own colourful learning resources and activities to inspire the children. Aligning with the NSW curriculum and the National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions she develops high quality phonics assets and shares them throughout Karuah Public School and with external networks.

RYAN KOOYMAN

San Clemente Catholic College, Mayfield

Former cabinet-maker Ryan Kooyman infuses real-world experience into the classroom to engage his students. The Technical and Applied Studies teacher has launched industry relevant, hands-on projects that develop practical skills. He equips students for future careers and has grown TAS enrolments, particularly among female students.

LORI WILSON

Bowraville Central School

Lori Wilson

When she’s not teaching, Lori Wilson can be found tending Bowraville Central School’s prize herd of cattle. A passionate advocate and role model for women in agriculture, she has helped boost enrolment and attendance at the high school on the NSW mid north coast by bringing agriculture alive to students. She also takes students on regular trips to the Royal Easter Show and other cattle competitions.

ANTHONY MITCHELL

Maclean High School

Talented musician Anthony Mitchell has inspired a dramatic increase in the number of students studying music at Maclean High School, since he started there three years ago. He goes above and beyond to find new opportunities for his students to compete in local and state events and last year his HSC Music class achieved four Band 6s and two nominations in ENCORE, the state’s musical showcase.

KYLIE WALTERS

Allegra School, Coffs Harbour

Kylie Walters isn’t simply a teacher, she is a creator of mathematical experiences who helps the children at Allegra School actively apply mathematical principles to real world projects. From designing Joey Pouches for Wildcare Australia to laser printing 3D objects at varying scales, her students at the special assistance school in Coffs Harbour discover the practical magic of mathematics. What truly drives her is the breakthrough moments and increased confidence she witnesses in her students.

LAUREN HEATH

Wahroonga Preparatory School

Lauren Heath.

Lauren Heath’s passion for teaching is evident to students, colleagues and parents alike at Wahroonga Preparatory School, an independent school on Sydney’s North Shore for children up to year 6. She adapts her programs to meet the individual needs of her students with a view to developing the whole child. She takes extra care of the social and emotional wellbeing of students.

SUSAN LOCKWOOD

St Joseph’s Catholic College, East Gosford

Sue Lockwood is a passionate drama and English teacher of more than 30 years who gets results. Three students from her 2024 year 12 HSC drama class were nominated to OnStage for their major works, her students consistently achieve Band 6 marks in HSC and she also provides opportunities for them to perform through school musicals, performance evenings and extra-curricular clubs.

PEMBER SCHUBERT

St Columba’s Catholic Primary School, Leichhardt North 

Pember Schubert’s love of learning is infectious, transforming the classroom into a vibrant space where education comes to life. Her teaching is marked by her creative approach to bringing unique and relevant learning experiences to her students.

Click here to read all our Australia’s Best Teachers coverage

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: NSW educators named among the country’s best