Two Sunshine Coast teachers have been recognised as being among the country’s most outstanding educators.
A passion for science and a love of inspiring young minds has seen St Andrew’s Anglican College’s Abigail Blessing honoured at the 31st National Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Ms Blessing, who leads the science faculty at the Peregian Springs school, received the prestigious NEiTA Apple Award – Secondary, along with a $5000 professional development grant from the NEiTA Foundation.
“I was very surprised to be singled out – teachers don’t do it for recognition,” she said.
“I’m a STEM and science nerd and I love getting kids excited about the amazing world around them.
“I’m proud to be having a positive impact on my students and giving them the skills to go out and change the world for the better.”
Over the past year, Ms Blessing has rewritten the Year 7-10 science curriculum, launched college-wide science initiatives and events, introduced a team of student science ambassadors and secured a national grant to build a frog pond in the college’s Sustainability Garden.
Principal Karen Gorrie said the award reflected Ms Blessing’s dedication to her students and her ability to make science come alive.
“Abigail brings such energy and creativity into everything she does,” Ms Gorrie said.
“She inspires our students not just to learn about science but to think like scientists – to question, explore and imagine solutions for the world’s challenges.”
Meanwhile, Matthew Flinders Anglican College Year 9 project leader and secondary science teacher Emmie Cossell has been named among the top 50 educators in Australia in the 2025 Education Hot List, announced by The Educator.
Principal Michelle Carroll congratulated Ms Cossell for the award, recognising her contribution as an inspiring and forward-thinking educator.
“Emmie is deserving of this Hot List recognition as she brings great energy, optimism and unwavering dedication to her role at Flinders,” Ms Carroll said.
“She is highly regarded by her colleagues and by our students who all appreciate her positivity, innovation and collaborative approach to every lesson and every project.”
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Ms Cossell spearheads the acclaimed Flinders Year to RISE program for Year 9 students at the Buderim college. The program was previously honoured as an Excellence Awardee for Innovation in Curriculum Design at the 2024 Australian Education Awards.
The Educator’s 11th annual Hot List celebrates skilled educators driving Australian education to new heights by “reshaping classrooms and creating high-quality opportunities that inspire and empower students across the country”.
