Daniel Edwards awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary School

The teacher behind Tasmania’s first STEM education-focused charity has been given an incredibly prestigious award that will see him rubbing shoulders with the Prime Minister.

Daniel Edwards teacher at Montello Primary School in Burnie who has received the 2024 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools. Picture: Supplied

A couple of years ago, Montello Primary School STEM Teacher Daniel Edwards received a note from a pupil saying he “made things possible that she didn’t realise were true”.

“I think that really sums it up for me: just opening up a whole new world of opportunities and pathways for them, and realising that STEM is for everyone,” Mr Edwards said.

“It’s about getting students involved with and getting them excited with things that they otherwise may not have had later on.

“This is my fourth year as the STEM teacher at Montello.

“But even going back beyond that – with some of the things I was doing as a general class teacher before the specialist role – continuing seeing some of those students so passionate about STEM and continuing their learning going into high school, and seeing that continue to make such an impact for them, there is nothing more inspiring and motivating than that.”

Daniel Edwards with students Evelyn Edwards and Addison White. Picture: supplied

Mr Edwards has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools for “his passion and creating unique opportunities for students from all backgrounds to overcome challenges, engage with STEM subjects and consider a career in science”.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s award ceremony, Mr Edwards said it had not “totally sunk in yet”.

“To be recognised at this level nationally is a very defining moment and a really huge honour, but also really humbling.

“I’m looking forward to using it as an opportunity to extend our work and take it to another level for the students that I’m working with.”

Mr Edwards is also the founding CEO of GreenSTEM Education.

Daniel Edwards. Picture: supplied

As Tasmania’s first STEM education-focused charity, the organisation aims to provide learning opportunities for young people and the wider community – especially those from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

“That’s been something I’ve been heavily involved with over the last 18 months or so,” Mr Edwards said.

“Over that time, we’ve been able to enable equitable access to some world-class stem learning opportunities for young people all across the North-West Coast region and beyond.”

Mr Edwards said he took a student-centred approach to STEM education.

“I aim to empower my students to apply their learning to solve relevant problems, create projects they’re passionate about, and connect to their experiences.

“One of the best things about my job is seeing STEM education break down barriers so that students can achieve amazing things.”

Daniel Edwards with students Norah Ashley, Evelyn Edwards, Ruby Beckerath, Addison White. Picture: supplied