Port Hedland Senior High School teacher, Eric Dawud, wins national early teaching award in Canberra

Hedland Senior High School Health and Physical Education teacher Eric Dawud is one of 22 winners of the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards after being shortlisted from over 500 nominees and applicants from across the country. Mr Dawud is one of 10 recipients of the Early Career Teaching award which shines a light on the next generation of educational leaders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation within their first five years in the profession. Presented in Canberra at an event co-hosted by Federal Education Minister Jason Clare at Parliament House on September 9,, Mr Dawud was recognised for his excellence in teaching at Port Hedland Senior High School. Mr Dawud is credited with revitalising student participation in sport by reintroducing school houses and stoking students competitive spirit. The move has seen an increase in swimming carnival registrations from 50 in 2023 to more than 250 in 2024 with the reintroduction of house captains also boosting student leadership applications by 60 per cent. Schools Plus chief executive Sherrill Nixon said it was an honour to see the awards presented by Schools Plus for the eighth consecutive year. “This year’s award winners have redefined what it means to lead in education, setting a new standard in learning and improving children’s wellbeing in urban, rural, regional and remote communities and with First Nations children across the country,” she said. Mr Clare said the event was the “highlight” of his year. “We get a chance to see some of the greatest teachers in this country being recognised for the incredible work they do in changing children’s lives every day,” the Education Minister said. Commonwealth Bank Head of Community Investment Nathan Barker said the awards recognised the extraordinary work of some of Australia’s most innovative educators. “Their dedication to shaping and nurturing the next generation is inspirational,” he said. Mr Dawud will receive a scholarship worth $10,000, including a study tour to high-performing schools in Australia, an exclusive leadership, learning and mentoring program and $5000 for professional development.