Congratulations to Wavell State High School teacher, Brett Dascombe on this mammoth achievement. For over 24 years, Brett has been igniting a passion for geography and advanced geospatial technologies, both inside and beyond the classroom. His unwavering commitment to educational excellence has left an indelible mark on Queensland’s education system. Thank you, Brett for sharing your wisdom and dedication, empowering students and educators alike and changing young lives.
🏆 Meet Brett Dascombe from Australia, a Top 10 finalist of the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, a Varkey Foundation initiative organised in collaboration with UNESCO! 🧑🎓 After initially leaving school due to financial challenges, he found his way back to education in his 30s, earning a double degree with distinction. His journey has shaped his belief that all learners, regardless of their stage in life, possess untapped potential. 🌐 Brett has been instrumental in embedding geospatial technologies like GIS, drones, and remote sensing data into the geography curriculum. His students engage in real-world, project-based learning that integrates cutting-edge tools and data, enhancing their understanding of environmental, urban, and global issues. 🇦🇺 Having successfully collaborated with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) to introduce modern geospatial tools into senior geographic assessments, Brett's advocacy for interactive assessments has brought transformative changes to Queensland’s traditional education system, setting a precedent for integrating geospatial technology in classrooms statewide. 🏅 The impact of Brett’s work extends beyond his own students. Since 2021, over 150 teachers and 100 schools have benefited from his professional development programs. Brett’s dedication has also earned him prestigious accolades including the 2023 Australian Schools Plus Fellowship, the Peter Doherty STEM Award, and the Queensland Department of Education Showcase Award for Excellence in Teaching. ✨ As Brett continues to share his insightful use of the latest technology and lead with passion and innovation, he exemplifies how education can best transform lives and empower the next generation of global citizens. #GlobalTeacherPrize #TeachersMatter