Science teachers win Academy awards

The Australian Academy of Science today announced its Teacher Awards, recognising outstanding teachers of science from every Australian State and Territory.

Awardees are chosen for their stellar contributions to science education and their prizes bring them to Canberra to attend the Academy’s annual three-day celebration of science and scientists, Science at the Shine Dome.

“I warmly congratulate the deserving winners of our 2012 Teacher Awards,” said Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory.

At Science at the Shine Dome, held from 2-4 May, Teacher Award winners will meet with Australia’s top scientists and hear about their cutting-edge research, exchange ideas with interstate colleagues, and participate in an interactive education workshop.

“We know from previous years that the teachers enthusiastically share their new skills and knowledge with colleagues upon their return home” Professor Cory added.

The winners of the 2012 Australian Academy of Science Teacher Awards are:

• Liam Kirwan, Gungahlin College, ACT
• Jacqueline Cleary, Balgowlah Heights Public School, New South Wales
• Andrea Collins, St Philips College, Northern Territory
• Meg Saunderson, Darra State School, Queensland
• Stuart Sluggett, Scotch College Junior School, South Australia
• Madiyantika Varma, Launceston College, Tasmania
• Helen Silvester, Mentone Girl's Grammar, Victoria
• Lisa Nelson, East Narrogin Primary School, Western Australia

In addition, two other leading science teachers will be guests of the Academy at the Science at the Shine Dome celebration:

• 2011 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools winner, Jane Wright from Loreto College in South Australia
• 2011 BHP Billiton Science Teacher Award winner, Jennifer Trewren from Centralian Senior School in the Northern Territory