In November 2024, The Educator kicked off the latest search for the best up and coming talent in the education sector by asking our readers to nominate emerging leaders in education who are making waves in the early stages of their career.
The Rising Stars 2025 report was launched with a call for entries from the entire Australian K–12 education sector. To be eligible, candidates for the Rising Stars award must be aged 35 or younger, be working in a role related to the K–12 education sector, and have demonstrated effective leadership, innovation, and achievement in their career to date. Both self-nominations and nominations on behalf of colleagues were accepted.
In addition to recognising individual Rising Stars, the School Leadership Award was introduced to celebrate the schools fostering these exemplary young talents. This award acknowledges schools that provide an environment where young educators thrive, support teachers to excel and demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and achievement in nurturing early-career educators.
Winners of both awards were judged on the substance of their nominations, with a particular focus on specific outcomes achieved and supporting data. This included evidence of effective leadership practices, professional development opportunities, and initiatives fostering teacher success and student growth.
The Educator team conducted a meticulous review of all nominations to ensure the awards highlighted the very best contributions to the Australian K–12 education sector.
From nearly 100 nominations, 50 young professionals have caught our attention. These Rising Stars have shown exemplary leadership, a remarkable drive to make a difference, expertise, innovative teaching methods, and a clear vision. These are the essential qualities needed to thrive in the ever-changing education landscape.
Without further ado, let’s meet some of the brilliant minds that made it to this year’s Rising Stars of 2025.
To view the report containing the full list of winners, please click here.