Samsung announces nationwide call-out to recognise Australia’s favourite STEM teachers

New research shows that just under 60 per cent of Aussies either agree or strongly agree that Australian STEM teachers should be getting more recognition than what they currently receive

Samsung’s STEM Teacher of the Year Awards will celebrate and recognise Australian STEM teachers for their hard work and positive impact on young minds

To celebrate World Teacher’s Day (25 October), Samsung Electronics Australia has today announced its inaugural STEM Teacher of the Year Awards.

New research commissioned by Samsung shows that 59% of Australians agree that STEM teachers should be getting more recognition than they currently receive[1]. In response, Samsung has launched its nationwide call-out to find Australia’s best STEM teachers and recognise them for their hard work and positive impact on young Aussie minds.

Current and former students, fellow teachers, parents and industry experts will have the chance to nominate the teacher who makes STEM feel less like a subject and more like an adventure and show their appreciation for their dedication and impact on their learning journey. Australians can nominate the teacher they think deserves the title of Australia’s best STEM teacher by sharing in 50 words or less why their teacher should be crowned the STEM Teacher of the Year 2024 via the competition website.

Nominations are open from now until 19 November 2024, and the entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including Dr Kirsten Banks, Astrophysicist and STEM advocate.

The judges will select the winners based on how the teacher has positively impacted their students and the industry and on their commitment to and passion for STEM. The winning teacher will receive two Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, one Galaxy Buds3 Pro and a Galaxy Fit3. The runner-up will receive one Galaxy Tab S9 FE and a Galaxy Fit3, and the winning student will receive a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.

Phil Gaut, Senior Director and Head of Display at Samsung Electronics Australia, said, “As a global technology leader, Samsung understands the vital role STEM teachers play in shaping the next generation of innovators. Our insights demonstrate that Australians believe STEM teachers deserve more recognition which confirms our assumptions – that these educators are the unsung heroes of the classroom. Through initiatives such as STEM Teacher of the Year Awards, we are committed to shining a spotlight on their tireless efforts and the invaluable contributions they make to help foster the skills that will drive future innovation,”

Dr Kirsten Banks, Astrophysicist and STEM advocate, said, “I know first-hand the meaningful impact STEM teachers have on young thinkers in supporting them to develop important skills in critical thinking, creativity and communication. I strongly encourage anyone who knows of an inspiring STEM teacher to give them well-deserved recognition by nominating them for Samsung’s STEM Teacher of the Year Awards. I’m very excited to see and hear more about some of the great teachers shaping the innovators of tomorrow.”

To nominate your favourite STEM teacher for the competition, see here.

[1] Pure Profile research commissioned by Samsung Electronics Australia surveying 1,003 Australians aged 18+, October 2024