Looking to have a lasting impact

“I CAME to see teachers as more than just people who deliver a lesson and leave; they are supportive role models who have a lasting impact on young people.”

That encapsulates how Courtney Lewis decided to head down the path of teaching – her classroom experience as a learning support officer inspiring her to make education her career and now she has been named as a Rising Star for 2026 by The Educator, recognising her as one of Australia’s most promising early career teachers making a significant impact in R-12 education.

The Rising Stars list celebrates standout professionals aged 35 and under who demonstrate effective leadership, innovation and achievement in their careers.

And since starting her journey, which kicked off in 2017 when she joined St Martins Lutheran College staff, she has been having a positive influence on students and staff alike.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with teenagers, and that really started when I was coaching junior netball teams in my late teens and early twenties,” Courtney said. “What I loved most was watching them succeed and recognising that success looks different for every individual.

“When I later worked as a student support officer, I had the opportunity to observe some incredible teachers in action. I saw how they built strong relationships with students, created safe environments where students felt comfortable to challenge themselves, and genuinely shared in their students’ achievements and successes.

Those experiences really shaped my view of teaching and it was also those same teachers who encouraged me to pursue university and step into teaching myself, which ultimately inspired my career path.”

She is now a Year 9 and Year 10 Level Leader – ascending to that role in only her second full year of teaching.

“In addition to my leadership responsibilities, I teach Year 9 Science and support student wellbeing and engagement across both Year 9 and Year 10,” Courtney said.

“I support students’ wellbeing, engagement, and academic progress and work collaboratively with a range of staff, including home group teachers, subject teachers, college counsellor and the college leadership team.

“I’m responsible for planning and facilitating pastoral care programs and leading year level meeting and I also manage the day-to-day organisation of the cohort, coordinate both internal and external events, and maintain strong communication with parents, caregivers, and the wider school community.”

And she applies the same level of dedication to her classroom role as she does her leadership responsibilities.

“In my teaching role, I focus on supporting students in their learning and creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment,” she said. “I make sure I stay up to date with professional learning, work closely with families to support student progress, and collaborate with colleagues to design engaging learning experiences that align with the Australian Curriculum.

“My roles involve many moving parts, which can make it difficult to define at times, but I really enjoy the challenge and the variety that comes with it. The unpredictability is something I value, as it keeps the work dynamic and student focused.”

That student-focussed approach shaping her own philosophy on what makes an effective teacher.

“It is someone who not only shares their knowledge and life experiences, but also genuinely listens to their students and values what they have to say,” Courtney said. “As adults, we’ve developed skills to manage our emotions, and part of our role is to support and guide students as they learn to navigate theirs.

“Teaching is such a complex role, but some key qualities I value include strong listening and communication skills, as well as empathy and compassion. Adaptability and resilience are also essential, as every day presents new challenges.

“I also think forgiveness and encouragement are incredibly important, as they help create a safe and supportive environment where students feel confident to learn and grow.”

Not that it isn’t a career path without its challenges and workload arguably tops that list.

“There’s an immense amount of work expected of teachers right now, and the stress that comes with that can be really tough,” Courtney said. “On top of that, there just don’t seem to be enough teachers in the profession. A lot of people complete their degree, enter teaching, and then realise they can’t sustain the workload, so they end up leaving and moving into other careers.

“I think the real challenge is figuring out how we can reduce the workload for teachers while still ensuring students are getting the high-quality education they deserve. And alongside that, how we can better support and encourage new teachers to stay, even when we know the workload can be demanding.”

But the rewards are there and according to Courtney, they far outweigh any of the challenges.

“For me, the biggest reward of teaching is building strong relationships and connections with students and watching them grow into young adults,” she said. “One of my favourite parts of the job is seeing students succeed, whether that success is big or small, and having them want to share those moments with me.

“I also really value the connections formed with students’ families. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child, and when the adults around a student are aligned and supporting one another, that’s when students really thrive.

“Those wider relationships and the sense of community that extend beyond the classroom are a big part of why I’m so passionate about this profession.”

She is honoured by this recent accolade as much for how it validates what she is achieving in the education space as anything.

“This recognition reassures me that I’m on the right path and exactly where I’m meant to be at this point in my life,” Courtney said. “ Even if I don’t win the overall award, I still feel incredibly supported, by my students, their families, and my colleagues, and that means a lot. For me, teaching isn’t just a career. It’s something I’m truly passionate about, and I really enjoy guiding and supporting students in their journey.”

The Rising Stars 2026 recipients were selected following a detailed review of nominations from across the Australian R-12 sector, with judges focusing on clear outcomes, leadership practice and impact on student growth.

Courtney’s recognition underscores the vital contribution of early career educators who combine ambition, adaptability and values-driven leadership to support students and colleagues alike.

Finalists shortlisted for the overall Rising Star award will be announced later this month, with the overall winner to be announced later this year at the Australian Education Awards in Sydney.