Samsung Electronics Australia has crowned Mr. Asaph Becker, teacher at Pymble Ladies College, as the winner of its inaugural STEM Teacher of the Year Awards.
Samsung designed the award to recognise the hard work and positive impact STEM teachers have on young minds and future leaders. This follows research commissioned by Samsung earlier in the year, which showed that 59% of Australians agree that STEM teachers should receive more recognition than they currently receive.
Current and former students, fellow teachers, parents and industry experts were asked to nominate a teacher who makes STEM feel less like a subject and more like an adventure against specific criteria.
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Samsung STEM Teacher of the Year Award, especially knowing it comes from the students I’m so passionate about supporting,” Mr. Becker said.
“My goal has always been to empower students, particularly women, to pursue STEM with passion and purpose and to build a supportive community where everyone feels they can make a meaningful impact. This award reflects the hard work of my students, who inspire me every day to make a difference.”
The entries were judged by a panel of industry experts, including astrophysicist and STEM advocate, Dr Kirsten Banks. The judges selected the winners based on how the teacher has positively impacted their students and the industry and how they continue to demonstrate their commitment to and passion for STEM.
Samsung Electronics Australia senior director and head of display, Phil Gaut said, “Samsung is delighted to celebrate the exceptional educators who have been awarded the STEM Teacher of the Year Awards.
“These teachers are at the forefront of inspiring curiosity, creativity and a love for learning in STEM, empowering the next generation to achieve incredible things. We’re proud to recognise their invaluable contributions to education and their lasting impact on students and communities across Australia.”
The competition received over 360 entries from across the country. The winning teacher was awarded two Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, one Galaxy Buds3 Pro and a Galaxy Fit3. The runner-up teacher, Mr. Henk Plaggemars from Woodville High School, received one Galaxy Tab S9 FE and a Galaxy Fit3, and the winning student from Pymble Ladies College received a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.