The Public Education Foundation has announced that Ruby Lyons-Reid of Tasmanian eSchool 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.
The scholarship aims to support public school teachers who are in the first three years of their teaching career. Teachers Health provides $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 Teachers Health CEO Brad Joyce.
“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," said scholarship recipient Ruby Lyons-Reid.
"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.”
She continued, “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," said Trudy Pearce, the deputy secretary of the Learning Department of Education Tasmania.
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.”
"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, the 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."