In 2026, the Science Teachers Association of NSW proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary – a milestone honouring generations of passionate teachers, leaders, and advocates who have shaped science education across New South Wales.
To mark this significant occasion, STANSW is launching the 75th Anniversary Awards, a special suite of honours recognising individuals who embody excellence, innovation and service in science education.
The 75th Anniversary Awards highlight a broad spectrum of achievement, from early‑career excellence to senior leadership, from community outreach to STEM innovation. Each award celebrates a unique and valued aspect of the science education landscape, reflecting the depth and diversity of our community.
We invite members, colleagues, and school communities to nominate individuals who are making a meaningful difference.
Award recipients will be recognised at the Teachers Guild NSW Annual Awards Dinner on 30 October at the William Inglis Hotel, in the World Teachers Day Category.
Join us as we celebrate 75 years of leadership, community, and excellence, and help shine a spotlight on the individuals who continue to drive science education forward.
- STANSW Early Career Science Teacher Award
- STANSW Excellence in the Classroom Award
- STANSW Senior Leader in Science Award
- STANSW Volunteer Service Excellence Award
- STANSW Science Communication & Outreach Award
- STANSW Excellence in STEM Education Innovation Award
- STANSW Science Tertiary Education Award
- STANSW Contribution to Equity & Access Award
- STANSW Regional Teacher Excellence Award
Dates:
- Nominations to STANSW close on: Monday 3 August 2026.
- Awards winners notified: Friday 25 September 2026
- The Teachers’ Guild Awards Dinner: Friday 30 October 2026
Awards criteria:
1. STANSW Early Career Science Teacher Award
Recognises an educator in their first five years of teaching who demonstrates exceptional contribution to the teaching and learning of science.
Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Outstanding classroom practice that enhances student engagement and learning in science.
- Early leadership in science initiatives within the school or community.
- Contribution to STANSW activities, events, or professional learning aligned with the Association’s mission of supporting excellence in science education.
- Evidence of innovation, commitment, and professional growth beyond expectations for an early‑career teacher.
2. STANSW Excellence in the Classroom Award
Honours a teacher who exemplifies excellence in classroom‑based science education.
Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Highly effective teaching strategies that support deep scientific understanding.
- Consistent contribution to improving science pedagogy within their school.
- Engagement in programs or initiatives that significantly enhance science learning experiences.
- Meaningful contribution to STANSW activities supporting quality science education in the classroom.
3. STANSW Senior Leader in Science Award
Recognises an individual in a school leadership or system leadership position who has driven high‑impact improvements in science education.
Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership that improves science teaching and learning across teams, schools, or networks.
- Significant long‑term contribution to advancing science education in NSW.
- Support or delivery of STANSW programs, advocacy, or sector-wide initiatives.
- Measurable leadership impact on teachers, students, and/or curriculum.
4. STANSW Volunteer Service Excellence Award
Celebrates an individual who has made a major and sustained voluntary contribution to STANSW.
Criteria
Adapted directly from the Distinguished Service Awards:
- A significant voluntary contribution to STANSW activities over an extended period (typically greater than 5 years).
- Service may include: Council participation, committee work, event support, project leadership.
- Demonstrated impact on STANSW’s mission and member community.
5. STANSW Science Communication & Outreach Award
Recognises excellence in communicating science to the public, media, community groups, or students.
Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- High-impact communication or outreach initiatives that foster public understanding of science.
- Effective use of media, digital platforms, or community engagement to promote science literacy.
- Contributions to STANSW outreach or public-facing activities that support science education excellence.
- Demonstrated influence on broad audiences beyond the classroom.
7. STANSW Science Tertiary Education Award
Honours outstanding contribution to science education at the tertiary level (initial teacher education, undergraduate science, postgraduate programs).
Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Exceptional service or supervision in tertiary science or science teacher education.
- Research or scholarship that meaningfully supports science education outcomes.
- Partnership with STANSW or contribution to its mission, projects, or professional learning offerings.
- Significant impact on pre-service teachers, educators, or the broader tertiary science community.
8. STANSW Contribution to Equity & Access Award
Recognises individuals advancing equity, inclusion, and access in science education.
Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Work that increases participation of underrepresented or disadvantaged student groups in science.
- Development of inclusive practices, programs, or resources ensuring equal access to high‑quality science learning.
- Contributions aligning with STANSW’s commitment to supporting all educators and students in achieving excellence.
- Demonstrated long-term or systemic impact on equity in science education.
9. STANSW Regional Teacher Excellence Award
Honours a teacher in regional or remote NSW who has made an exceptional contribution to science education.
Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Outstanding science teaching practice in a regional or remote context.
- Leadership in school or community science initiatives that address unique local challenges.
- Contribution to STANSW activities, including representation of regional perspectives and needs.
- Significant positive impact on students, colleagues, or the broader community.
We thank the Teachers’ Guild of NSW for their support of these awards
