More than 1,000 years of combined service in the NSW public education system has been recognised with 25 teachers and staff honoured at the Department of Education Service Recognition Dinner.
The event, held on Tuesday night, shone a light on some of the most committed and hard-working educators in the state, who have each chalked up more than 50 years of service with the department.
They were joined by 35 other staff who were recognised for reaching the landmark in 2023.
Geoffrey Griffiths, a maths teacher currently working at a number of high schools on the Central Coast and in the Hunter, was among those honoured.
Mr Griffiths has inspired young learners in those areas for several decades, starting his teaching career at Picnic Point High School in 1972. He has presented to the Maths Association on how to engage students better by making maths fun.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“Thank you and congratulations to each of these wonderful ambassadors for public education.
“Between them it would be safe to say they’ve had a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of students in this state, sharing their depth of knowledge and commitment to learning across multiple generations.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“I would like to thank each of the teachers and school staff for their dedicated service to the young people of our state.
“The teachers and staff being recognised have given so much of themselves to public education, helping our young people to learn, grow and reach their full potential.
“Teaching is a career with the power to change lives, and every educator awarded can feel proud, knowing they have given the gift of knowledge to countless children.”
