State's top educators honoured with Premier's Teacher Scholarship

NSW Premier Chris Minns congratulated 15 of the State’s best teachers whose commitment to quality education has been rewarded with a 2026 Premier’s Teacher Scholarship.

In announcing the winners at Parliament House last night, Premier Minns said it was an honour to celebrate of one of this state’s most valuable resources - our teachers. 

These scholarships are designed to enrich the learning experiences of students in the classroom, and to support teachers to explore their focus areas,” Mr Minns said.

“From their study tour experiences, scholars will gain confidence to apply new ideas, new teaching methods and new technologies in their teaching.

“In a time of rapid social, economic and technological change, this professional focus is exactly what is required of teachers as they prepare students for their future as innovators and achievers.”

Acting Education and Early Learning Minister Courtney Houssos said the scholarship program was designed to make the best teachers in the state even better.

“Since they started in 1999, more than 570 Premier’s Teacher Scholarship recipients have received fantastic opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge in a chosen field of expertise,” she said.

“When our teachers return from their study tours, I am sure their students will benefit from the knowledge they’ve gained, and this will enhance their learning experiences in the classroom.”

The scholarship program was open to NSW teachers from government and non-government schools and preschools, and to teachers at TAFE NSW Institutes. 

It provides each recipient with $15,000 in funds for a five-week study tour during 2026.

The scholarships have a strong regional focus, with six of the award winners from outside of Sydney. 

The Premier’s Teacher Scholarship recipients were presented at a reception at Parliament House last night.

Further information on each scholarship can be found at https://education.nsw.gov.au/teach-nsw/enhance-your-career/nsw-premier-s-teacher-scholarships 

Sponsoring organisations who have helped to make the award possible include: Western Sydney University, the University of Sydney, the University of New England, Teachers Mutual Bank, Reserve Bank of Australia, NSW Education Standards Authority, History Teachers Association NSW, Hicksons Lawyers, Economics and Business Educators NSW, Early Childhood Australia NSW, and the Anika Foundation.

The list of winners are:

Premier’s Anika Foundation Youth Depression Awareness Scholarship to focus on preventing depression in young people or building awareness of youth depression