27 Mar 2020
Since inception the STEM Industry Schools Partnership (SISP) has been driven to improve the opportunities, participation and achievements of students throughout regional NSW. SISP was primarily created for students; to put them on a meaningful education journey – and the achievements of our students means that our work through SISP is hitting the mark.
It is therefore with great pleasure that we congratulate SISP Project Lead, Dr Scott Sleap, who has been announced as one of only twelve educators nationally, as a recipient of the 2020 annual Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards. Scott has been recognised for his educational leadership as well as his demonstrated ability to engage students of STEM shown through his formation and growth of the Cessnock Academy of STEM Excellence (CASE).
Through CASE, Scott has made enormous impacts in engaging students through STEM education. Scott imparts the try-fall-try again model of learning with students in his programs, many of whom come from more disadvantaged backgrounds than an average secondary school. Students thrive in this environment of inquiry, experimentation and empowerment, and with CASE students , the program has contributed to lower suspension rates and lifted attendance.
The Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award means Scott will receive the prestigious CBA Teaching Fellowship, worth $45,000 and offered in partnership with the national charity, Schools Plus. $25,000 from the program will be used to extend the CASE initiative to drive even further improvements in student outcomes. The Awards are dedicated to recognising educators who work in disadvantaged communities. Scott was chosen from more than 5300 education professionals who were nominated across Australia.
Scott’s drive of both CASE and, later, SISP shows how dedicated and targeted educational programs can bridge educational disparity. This Fellowship will allow Scott to continue the mission of SISP through targeted professional development and the means to travel overseas to visit exemplar education providers. On return, Scott will endeavour to continue the SISP tenet of collaboration, passing his lessons out to the SISP network. We are excited to partake in delivery of new modes and methods gained through his Fellowship and transfer this to the young and eager minds of our STEM-inspired students.
Congratulations once again, Scott.
Additional articles on the 2020 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards:
- Teacher inspires next generation of pilots with STEM academy - Australian Financial Review
- Scott Sleap’s STEAM hotbed - Education Today
- Engaging young Australians for a brighter future - Mirage News
- National honour for STEM leader - NSW Education
- Cessnock High School deputy principal Dr Scott Sleap wins Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award - The Advertiser