Students Crown Their Winner of Samsung’s Inaugural STEM Teacher of the Year Awards

Samsung Australia in partnership with Student Edge are proud to announce Mr. Asaph Becker from Pymble Ladies’ College as the winner of its inaugural STEM Teacher of the Year Awards. The new competition is an initiative which gave students the chance to shine a spotlight on the STEM teachers who inspire them most.

The competition was designed to celebrate STEM teachers making a difference in classrooms across the country. Students, alongside fellow teachers, parents, and industry experts, were invited to nominate educators who bring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life in creative and meaningful ways.

Mr. Becker’s students spoke loud and clear, sharing stories of his dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where STEM feels more like an adventure than a subject.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Samsung STEM Teacher of the Year Award,” said Mr. Becker. “Especially knowing it comes from the students I’m so passionate about supporting. My goal has always been to empower students, particularly women, to pursue STEM with passion and purpose and to build a supportive community where everyone feels they can make a meaningful impact.”

Phil Gaut, Senior Director and Head of Display at Samsung Electronics Australia, said,

“Samsung is delighted to celebrate the exceptional educators who have been awarded he STEM Teacher of the Year Awards. These teachers are at the forefront of inspiring curiosity, creativity and a love for learning in STEM, empowering the next generation to achieve incredible things. We are proud to recognise their invaluable contributions to education and their lasting impact on students and communities across Australia.”

Judged by a panel of industry experts, including astrophysicist and STEM advocate Dr. Kirsten Banks, the awards evaluated nominees on how they’ve made STEM exciting and accessible for their students while driving positive change in education.

The competition drew over 360 nominations, with students celebrating teachers for their innovative lessons and passion for STEM.

Damien Langley, Co-founder at Student Edge noted how inspiring it was to see so many students getting involved.

“This competition is incredible as it puts the power in the students’ hands to recognise teachers and educators who truly make a difference,” he said. “We all have a teacher who has made an impact on our lives, teachers like Mr. Becker don’t just teach STEM, they inspire students to see their potential and dream big.”

Along with the title, Mr. Becker was awarded two Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tablets, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, and a Galaxy Fit3. Runner-up teacher Mr. Henk Plaggemars of Woodville High School received a Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Fit3, while one lucky student from Pymble Ladies’ College received a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.

By putting the power in students’ hands, Samsung’s STEM Teacher of the Year Awards highlighted the incredible bond between teachers and their students while celebrating the educators shaping the innovators of tomorrow.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.?

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, memory, System LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Student Edge

Student Edge is Australia’s largest member-based organisation for students and young people – helping over 1.4 million young people across our three core pillars – LEARN, EARN & SAVE. Our mission is to improve the lives of students at every stage. https://studentedge.org/au