An East Ballina educator is packing her bags for the United States and Canada, after being named among the state’s best teachers with a prestigious Premier’s Teacher Scholarship.
NSW Premier Chris Minns congratulated 14 of the state’s best teachers, including Rikki Commens from Southern Cross School of Distance Education, East Ballina, whose commitment to quality education has been rewarded with a 2027 Premier’s Teacher Scholarship.
Ms Commens received the Premier’s Hicksons Lawyers Rural and Remote Education Scholarship, and will study “strengthening engagement and connection in distance education through adaptive learning and innovative pedagogy” during her trip.
The scholarship program was open to NSW teachers from government and non-government schools and preschools, and to teachers at TAFE NSW Institutes, with nine of this year’s recipients coming from public schools. Each recipient receives $15,000 to fund a five-week study tour during 2026.
Since the program began in 1999, more than 570 Premier’s Teacher Scholarship recipients have developed their skills and knowledge in a chosen field of expertise.
Premier Chris Minns said the scholarships were a chance to celebrate one of the state’s most valuable resources.
“It is a huge honour to announce the 2027 Premier’s Teacher Scholarships, and to help celebrate of one of this state’s most valuable resources, our teachers,” Mr Minns said.
“These scholarships give outstanding teachers the time and opportunity to explore the areas they are most passionate about and to learn from leading educators and researchers.”
“They challenge thinking, broaden perspectives and spark ideas that will benefit students for many years to come.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the program was designed to help the state’s best teachers get even better.
“This scholarship program is designed to make the best teachers in the state even better, and I congratulate our newest recipients,” Ms Car said.
“The benefits of these study trips ripple through schools and their communities, and ultimately, the lives of thousands of students.”
“From their study tour experiences, they will bring fresh ideas back into their classrooms and share that knowledge with colleagues across NSW.”
Like what you’re reading? Support North Coast Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now