Parramatta, NSW – 5 January 2024: Nine of Australia’s best and brightest Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) public school teachers have been selected as the 2024 recipients of the inaugural Toyota Community Trust STEM Teachers Scholarship.

Recognised for their outstanding work in educating the nation’s young minds, these teachers will be awarded $10,000 each to cover the cost of pursuing professional development courses in STEM-related subjects.

Toyota Community Trust and the Public Education Foundation are proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Toyota Community Trust STEM Teachers Scholarship:

  • Ehab Gerges – James Cook Boys’ Technology High School, NSW
  • Gayle Allison – Narooma High School, NSW
  • Timothy Bateup – Roma State College, QLD
  • Robert Glen Berlin – Allendale East Area School, SA
  • Daniel Edwards – Montello Primary School, TAS
  • Sharelle Brownbill – Parkwood Green Primary School, VIC
  • Tooba Awais – Mooroolbark College, VIC
  • Hellen Kneale – Exmouth District High School, WA
  • Richard Hall – North Albany Senior High School, WA

Toyota Community Trust’s Chair Mike Rausa expressed his delight in offering these nine scholarships to recipients who will extend their STEM skills even further.

“This strategic investment in educators not only reflects Toyota’s commitment to fostering quality STEM education but also underscores its vision for a brighter future. By nurturing and empowering educators, Toyota is making a meaningful investment in the progress and prosperity of our society,” he said.

“Professional development in STEM for public school teachers is crucial to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to provide high-quality instruction in these rapidly changing fields. By staying up to date with STEM subjects and teaching methods as well as fostering inclusive environments, teachers can inspire and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the STEM fields,” Mr Rausa said.

Public Education Foundation Chief Executive Officer David Riordan said it was fantastic to see the achievements of these nine school leaders from across the country rewarded with a Toyota Community Trust STEM Teachers Scholarship.

“STEM subjects are critical to the future of Australia. We at the Public Education Foundation are very appreciative of the Toyota Community Trust for supporting these incredibly important scholarships which cover the cost of professional development for teachers of STEM across the nation. This professional development ensures these teachers are up to date with the latest developments and research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, ultimately assisting students in public schools achieve their full potential,” Mr Riordan said.

For more information please contact:

Paul Somers, Tel: 02 7814 2806

Public Education Foundation: http://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au

About Toyota Community Trust

Following the closure of its manufacturing operations in Australia, Toyota wanted to leave a legacy that would provide long term benefits to the Australian community. With its first grants, the Toyota Community Trust is aiming to encourage and enable more young Australians to pursue further study and future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

 

About the Public Education Foundation

The Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to students and educators in public education, and enhancing the value and reputation of public education. See more details at www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au.