Parnngurr Community School teacher wins big at national teaching awards

A teacher from Parnngurr Community School, located 370km east of Newman, has been recognised at the 2025 Schools Plus Teaching Awards at Parliament House in Canberra.

Emma Davis took out the education gong for her contributions at Parnngurr through a two-way learning program that integrates Martu ecological knowledge with the WA curriculum.

The program, co-developed with local elders and families, supports First Nations students, many of whom speak English as a second or third language and have a range of learning needs.

“When we go out on country with the children, they’re the teachers and we’re guided by them, because they know their country and they show us around,” Ms Davis said.

“For example, we might see witchetty grubs and the children will go and find them to eat and then we will use that passion and understanding and we’ll put it into the western science perspective.

“So we might join that into invasive species, learning about the scientific terms about the life cycle of an insect and doing engaging lessons that are based off those experiences that the children have.”

Ms Davis was awarded $20,000 as part of the prize, including $10,000 to design a high-impact school visit program and a place in a year-long teaching fellowship.

“I was just amazed. Being so remote, I didn’t expect this. It’s a real honour,” Ms Davis said. “It’s a win, not just for me, but for our community.

“I feel blessed to work with such incredible Martu families. It’s very much a team effort.”

Now in its ninth year, the Schools Plus Teaching Awards – supported by the Commonwealth Bank – celebrate outstanding educators making a difference in disadvantaged communities.

The 2025 ceremony was co-hosted for the third year running by Education Minister Jason Clare.