Ipswich educator Stephanie Thomas awarded Education Rising Star of the Year

A young maths teacher from a prestigious Ipswich school has been recognised as Education Rising Star of the Year — after a little help from her senior students.

Education Rising Star of the Year Stephanie Thomas.

An Ipswich maths teacher has claimed the title of Education Rising Star of the Year at the Australian Education Awards — with the help of her students.

Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School students rallied around Stephanie Thomas, the school’s young maths teacher, helping push her nomination.

The Australian Education Awards, presented by The Educator, is an independent awards event for teachers and schools in the K-12 education sector.

The awards showcase top-performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers for their outstanding achievements and transformative work in helping make a difference to young people across Australia.

Miss Thomas has taught for three years and credited her success to her work environment.

“I don‘t believe that any teacher chooses this job for the recognition, so I think it is wonderful that an event like this exists to acknowledge the work that teachers are doing,” she said.

“I am grateful to be surrounded by incredible colleagues who I learn from every day and I could not have achieved this without them.

“I feel extremely fortunate to be acknowledged in this way, given the competitive list of awardees.”

Education Rising Star of the Year Stephanie Thomas.

Ms Thomas said most of the nominations were put forward without her knowledge by her Year 12 specialist mathletics class.

“I am so grateful for the endless support that I have received from this class and I was moved when I read their sentiments,” she said.

Her maths students praised their teacher for her innovative learning methods.

“Ms Thomas really prioritises our health and wellbeing by implementing numerous strategies, ranging from gummy bear energy boosters and stress toys to a poster (Comfort Zone, Learning Zone, Panic Zone) which allows us to visually demonstrate how we are feeling about new content,” one student said.

“During COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021, Ms Thomas always started classes with a question, “Cats or Dogs?”, “Pineapple on pizza?” to make us feel comfortable in times of stress and loneliness.

“Ms Thomas always takes time out of her day to help us and ensure that no one falls behind and that everyone is feeling confident with the course material.”

“Over the past year-and-a-half in Specialist Math, Ms Thomas has provided guidance and fostered a safe and effective learning environment that extends beyond each 45-minute lesson,” another student said.

Ipswich Girls' Grammar School. Picture: Supplied

“She has made us all feel, safe, valued and respected, which gives us confidence in balancing school and life, including the intense study regiment required by Specialist Maths.”

“As a new teacher, and not long out of academia, Ms Thomas’s classes are very exam-focused, right from the beginning,” one IGGS student said.

“She has created an Exam Preparation tab in our class’s shared OneNote, which enhances collaboration amongst our peers, as everyone can see the problems and work together to help each other.

“Ms Thomas’s efforts to form connections with and between her students maximises our learning and wellbeing outcomes, and we are really grateful to have such an excellent teacher.”

IGGS Deputy Principal Ms Lynda Wall and Head of Department, Lydia Commins, supported the students’ nominations.

She said Ms Thomas advised aspiring young educators to find a school with similar values.

“Find a school that shares the same values as you and you will love it,’’ she said.

“Teaching is not an easy occupation, but it is extremely rewarding if you are in the right environment.”

Originally published as Ipswich educator Stephanie Thomas awarded Education Rising Star of the Year