STEMming for greatness

Sharelle Brownbill will use her $10,000 scholarship to further her STEM studies. (Damjan Janevski) 389161_01

Sharelle Brownbill from Parkwood Green Primary School has been selected as one of nine recipients of the inaugural Toyota Community Trust Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Teachers Scholarship.

Recognised for her outstanding work in educating the nation’s young minds, Ms Brownbill will be awarded $10,000 to cover the cost of pursuing professional development courses in STEM-related subjects.

She was thrilled to be selected, and said she will use the scholarship to better her knowledge.

“The scholarship money goes towards personal development training to enhance my skills further in the STEM area. I have chosen to focus on the technology side of STEM with my training,” she said.

“As a student of the public education system located in country Victoria, who has successfully gone full circle to a private sector career and arrived back in the public system classroom, I have experienced the value of a supportive and STEM focused education.

“I have seen my own kids develop and succeed through the public education system both in primary and secondary school with the support of highly skilled and focused teachers. I believe that all children have the right to be exposed to all areas of education, including STEM, with a high level of expertise.

Parkwood Green Primary School principal Bobby Kotevski spoke very highly of Ms Brownbill and her work.

“Sharelle is a fabulous science teacher whose passion for science is at the highest degree,“ he said.

“She possesses a combination of personal qualities, skills, and behaviours that enable her to guide and inspire our students and staff effectively.

“She is a great leader, and always has a clear vision of her program and can articulate it to motivate others toward the common goal.”

Gerald Lynch