Teachers shape Australia’s future every day. Through their dedication, care and leadership, they help children and young people build confidence, values and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
The Order of Australia recognises educators whose influence extends well beyond the classroom and into the heart of their communities.
The Order of Australia Award is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of educators who go above and beyond in their work. One of the recipients is a school principal, Ann Caro OAM who was awarded for her service to education. We talked to Ann about what the award means to her.
What does receiving the 2026 Order of Australia mean to you?
It is a great honour to receive such acknowledgement for the work I have done in disadvantaged public secondary schools. It is an acknowledgement that I must share with the colleagues and teachers I have worked with throughout my career. I hope such an award serves as a reminder to the community that teaching and schools are not just about academic results but are about building successful futures for all Australian young people and children, regardless of ability, background or wealth.
Order of Australia recipent, Ann Caro
What motivates or inspires your teaching and leadership approach/practice?
My motivation for continuing to work, and in disadvantaged communities and schools is around the need to provide equity of opportunity to every child. One in five Australian children live in poverty, and many come from backgrounds of intergenerational disadvantage. Every year I am inspired to see students being first in family to complete the HSC, first in family to enter university and first in family to complete a degree. Education should be the road to success for all children, not just the privileged few. I want to ensure we break down some of the barriers for the students I teach. In the schools of most disadvantage staff share this strong moral purpose in everything we do.
What is one moment or achievement in your teaching and leadership career that you are most proud of?
There are many things that have been achieved in schools I have worked in. One I am particularly proud of is the creation of the Lithgow High School wellbeing hub in 2018. In response to a community tragedy, I engaged with the community and in particular allied health providers and created on-site support for students, I used the Gonski equity loadings to employ staff and invited local providers to deliver service at school. Over 14 providers used the service to the great benefit of many vulnerable students. Lithgow High School won a NSW mental health commission award for this initiative.
What advice would you give to early career teachers or school leaders to make a similar impact in education?
My advice would always be to teach in public schools. To ignore the criticism and be proud of working in disadvantaged areas because I believe these schools are the best schools for outcomes short and long term. Privileged kids do well wherever they attend. The kids I teach do well because the staff, leaders, teaching, and non-teaching believe in the students and are focussed on building successful citizens. It is incredibly rewarding work.
If you know an exceptional teacher who is making a difference in their school or community, we encourage you to consider nominating them for an Order of Australia Award.
Find out more and nominate someone for an Order of Australia Award.