Pilbara science teacher Anna Ritzema blazing a trail for women in WA’s education system

A Pilbara specialist science teacher says she is “overwhelmed” to be recognised as a leading light for women in Western Australia’s education system. Tambrey Primary School teacher Anna Ritzema, pictured, was one of four finalists across the State for the 2020 Women of Achievement Award, and the only one from a regional town. Ms Ritzema was recognised for her dedication to STEM education including helping Tambrey become a STEM enterprise school, creating partnerships with local industry and organisations, and going out of her way to ensure students succeed in their education. Ms Ritzema travelled to Perth to join other finalists at an International Women’s Day breakfast and said it was “wonderful, but very overwhelming” to be named a finalist. “To be put alongside some of those women was just such an honour. They were fantastic,” she said. “Also to showcase to our younger girls in the field that this is possible for them. “One of the biggest things is the wonderful support from the people here in the Pilbara. There is no way I could have done it without the Karratha community. They are just the best.” Ms Ritzema said she hoped to be a role model for young females passionate about STEM and show them anything is possible. “So many young girls start off very much ambitious on the same path and along the way we lose girls in that field,” she said. “It’s so important that we can show them that long-term goals are very achievable, that they can do it and their passion can make it into some really amazing roles.”