ORARA High School Mathematics Teacher Holly Wedd has been named a winner at the 2025 Schools Plus Teaching Awards.
Ms Wedd had been shortlisted from hundreds of exceptional nominees nationwide.
The Awards recognise educators whose innovative teaching and leadership are transforming student outcomes, promoting equity and inclusion, and empowering children and young people to thrive in their learning journey.
Holly has transformed maths outcomes at the Coffs Harbour school, doubling Advanced Maths enrolments and increasing student confidence by 84 percent.
She has led professional learning for over 450 rural teachers, embedded research-backed teaching methods, connected maths to culture and community through Indigenous stories, and translated resources for EALD (English as an Additional Language) families.
Ms Wedd attended an awards event at Parliament House in Canberra co-hosted by Education Minister Jason Clare.
She receives $20,000, including $10,000 to fund a high-impact school visit program, and an exclusive year-long professional development placement.
When Ms Wedd recognised that capable students were opting out of higher-level maths due to a lack of confidence and literacy barriers, she designed a unique combined Maths and English Program.
This targeted initiative has doubled enrolments in Advanced and Extension Maths and supported 100 percent of participating students to continue into Stage 6.
Her leadership has reduced maths anxiety and lifted engagement by embedding research-informed practices such as cognitive load theory and inquiry-based learning across her faculty.
Her work has sparked a cultural shift in how maths is taught, perceived and valued – by both staff and students.
Ms Wedd is the Rural Learning Exchange Mathematics Network Facilitator, supporting over 450 teachers in remote and regional areas, and coordinates a collaborative leadership network of 13 high schools in the Coffs Harbour–Clarence Valley region.
As a Board Member of the Mathematics Association of NSW and an instructional leader with the Mathematics Growth Team, she contributes to statewide curriculum development and professional learning.
She is also a lecturer at Southern Cross University.
By Andrea FERRARI
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