Annual Awards

When a nomination for one of the Annual Award categories is received, the nominee will be contacted and asked to provide the following:

  • A written submission which addresses the Award criteria
  • A copy of his/her current curriculum vitae
  • The names of two people who can provide “Statements of Support”

Acknowledge the great work of a colleague by nominating them for an award.


Leader of the Year Award

2011 saw the formal relationship with the Australian Council for Computers (ACCE) formalised and for the first time ICTENSW, as a new entity, created a process to establish a NSW ICT Leader of the Year award. The ICTENSW Leader of the Year may be nominated to ACCE to be considered for the national Leader of the Year award.

This award acknowledges the work of educational leaders and innovators. Typically the person will be a leader / mentor / advisor to a school or broader educational community group. It recognises significant advocacy, support and promotion of the use of ICT in education.

Candidates will have a distinguished career and proven inspirational achievement in leading the ICT.  computer science or STEM in an Education community. Some specifics include:

  • Significant positive impact on technology use in education; locally, regionally, state wide, nationally, worldwide.
  • Efforts to involve the community in the initiative or program to facilitate partnerships with business and/or legislative initiations to advance the use of technology in education.
  • Achieve excellence in the use of ICT,  computer science or STEM in education for innovation and development and works tirelessly to genuinely improve the quality of education.
  • Integrates deliberate planning in an effort to improve education through the use of technology, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
  • Assist in the building of partnerships to advance the use of ICT,  computer science or STEM in education (e.g. school and community partnerships, school and industry partnerships).
  • Contribute to ICTENSW's work and actively participate in the professional communities of this organisation.
  • Nurture and mentor individuals, groups and/or associations to enhance the use of ICT,  computer science or STEM in education.
  • Conduct research and/or write about ICT,  computer science or STEM in education.

Leader of the Year Award Winner 

2023 Robert McTaggart
2022 Vladimir Tosic
2021 Sujatha Gunja
2020 Helen Kardiasmenos
2019 Russell Cairns & Karl Easton
2016 Kelly Bauer
2018 Meridith Ebbs
2017 Nicky Ringland & Renee Noble
2015 Corrine Campbell
2014 Matt Esterman 
2013 Dr James Curran

Educator of the Year Award

2011 saw the formal relationship with the Australian Council for Computers (ACCE) formalised and for the first time ICTENSW, as a new entity, created a process to establish a NSW ICT Educator of the Year award. The ICTENSW Educator of the Year may be nominated to ACCE to be considered for the national Educator of the Year award.

This award recognises the importance of the work of teachers who are promoting, facilitating and using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their school every day. The person is respected as a leader and innovator both internal and external to their own institution.

The Educator of the Year Award recognises teachers who:

  • Strive to improve teaching and learning across the curriculum through the use of ICT, computer science or STEM.
  • Work with students, colleagues and parents to improve education through the use of ICT, computer science or STEM.
  • Are respected as leaders and innovators in the use of ICT,  computer science or STEM in education both within their own school and in other schools locally, regionally or state-wide.
  • Work with teachers in other institutions.
  • Participate in the work and events of ICTENSW.
  • Contribute to the teaching profession by presenting at conferences and other professional development activities.

Educator of the Year Award Winner

2023 Alfina Jackson

2022 Chris Kalodikis

2021 Amanda Hogan

2020 Brian Host

2019 Patricia Cazouris 

2018 Simon Harper

2017 Karen Binns

2016 Abi Woldhuis

2015 Chris Woldhuis

2014 Amanda Hogan

2012 Chris Betcher

Young Educator of the Year Award

In 2015, ICTENSW introduced the Young Educator of the year award, to encourage and promote young teachers doing exceptional things within their classrooms using ICT, computer science or STEM.

This award recognises the importance of the work of young teachers who are promoting, facilitating and using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their school or community every day. The person is respected as a leader and innovator both internal and external to their own institution. They are in their first 5 years of teaching.

Young Educator of the Year Winner

2023 Ashley Kasper

2022 Scott Reeves
2021 Carina Gleeson

2020 Fiona Morrison

2017 Lina Ponto

2016 Kathleen O'Rourke

2015 Nick Biddle

Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year Award

The ICTENSW Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year award is a state award intended to recognise the importance of the work of NSW teachers who are innovatively employing the Digital Technologies Curriculum in their K-12 schools. 

The Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year Award recognises teachers who

  • They display skill in planning, developing and implementing programs to advance the Digital Technologies curriculum in schools.
  • They demonstrate excellence and innovation in their teaching of Digital Technologies to the extent that their work can be used as a model for others.
  • They nurture and mentor other individuals or groups to help progress the implementation of the Digital Technologies curriculum in schools.

Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year Winner

2022 Maria Craven

2021 Rebecca Keough

ISTE Making IT Happen Award

The ISTE endorsed Making IT Happen award honours visionary educators and leaders who cultivate connected and empowered learners. It recognises members who have given outstanding service or made a significant contribution to their association. Since its inception in 1995 more than 700 educators from around the world have received this award.



ISTE and its affiliates present Making IT Happen awards at their annual conferences. 

Making it Happen Winner

2023 Brett Salakas
2022 Kim Vernon

2021 Tim Milkins

2020 Bronwyn Stuckey

2018 Leanne Cameron

2016 Karen Binns

Life Membership

Life membership is a special honour bestowed in exceptional circumstances to long-serving ICTENSW members in recognition of the person’s active participation in the ICTENSW community and, as such, the person has made significant contributions to ICT, Computer Science or STEM education and leadership in schools in NSW. This honour can only be granted by the serving ICTENSW Board. For a list of the recipients refer to the life members page.



© ICTENSW 2024

Teachers and technology: a powerful combination for pedagogical & educational transformation.

ICT Educators Association of NSW (ICTENSW) is a non-profit professional teaching association supporting education in New South Wales. 

Mailing Address: ICTENSW PO Box 699, Lidcombe NSW 1825

ABN 27 567 884 887


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In the spirit of reconciliation ICTENSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout NSW and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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