Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship recipient announced

The Public Education Foundation (PEF) is delighted to announce that Ruby Lyons-Reid of Tasmanian eSchool, Tasmania, is this year’s recipient of the Public Education Foundation’s Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship.

Ruby teaches Year 11/12 English, Creative Writing and Tasmanian Aboriginal Studies. She is also the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Learning Area Leader and Aboriginal Curriculum Leader.

This scholarship supports public school teachers who are in the first three years of their teaching career, with Teachers Health providing $10,000 for professional development activities.

“We’re proud of our partnership with the Public Education Foundation, it’s one of the ways we give back to the education community. This year’s recipient, Ruby Lyons-Reid, has already demonstrated her passion for education and dedication to her students, community and the teaching profession. We’re delighted to be supporting Ruby’s professional development through the Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship.” said Brad Joyce, Teachers Health CEO.

“Over the past few years as a teacher at an online distance school, I have developed an interest in how digital technologies and museum programs can engage students in learning about First Nations histories and cultures. I’ve dabbled with these things in my classes, but in an ad-hoc-time-permitting sort of way. I’m hopeful that this scholarship will give me the focus and financial support to pursue these professional interests in more depth and with greater intention. It represents an opportunity for me to deepen my theoretical knowledge about museum education and culturally responsive best practice, and also to connect with experts in the field across Australia to gain insight into the design and delivery of cutting-edge digital learning programs.”, said scholarship recipient Ruby Lyons-Reid.

Ruby shares, “I plan to enrol in a Graduate Certificate of Museum and Heritage Studies at the Australian National University, with a specialisation in Museum Education and Heritage Interpretation. Through this course, I hope to learn more about the design and implementation of educational exhibitions and programs in museum settings, and particularly how innovative digital tools are being used by cultural institutions to create authentic and accessible educational experiences for students. I also hope to participate in professional learning offered by the University of Sydney about First Nations curriculum leadership and culturally responsive planning at the whole-school level.”

“It is wonderful that Ruby’s dedication and passion for teaching has been recognised by being awarded the Public Education Foundation’s Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship.

Ruby constantly inspires learners and colleagues alike, with her aspiration and enthusiasm for professional growth. Ruby’s commitment to quality teaching and learning is evident in her initiatives in staying connected to the education community and more specifically with Aboriginal education. Congratulations to Ruby on this fantastic opportunity to continue her professional growth.”, says Trudy Pearce, Deputy Secretary, Learning Department of Education Tasmania.

"Online distance learning has become ever more important during the pandemic, and through her career to date, Ruby Lyons-Reid has built an impressive body of practice in digital engagement," said David Hetherington, Executive Director of the Public Education Foundation. "We are excited to be able to support Ruby’s career development through a graduate education course at the Australian National University."

Teachers Health was created by teachers for teachers over 65 years ago and is the only health fund built from day one to benefit the education community. Today, Teachers Health is Australia’s largest industry-based health fund, looking after over 370,000 teachers, education staff, and their families. As a not-for-profit health fund, Teachers Health focuses on what matters most – supporting the health and wellbeing of their members. They also give back to the education community, through scholarships, sponsorships and health and wellbeing programs.

Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to students and educators in public education, and enhancing the value and reputation of public education.