Celebrating two of our outstanding educators who have been recognised as Rising Stars in Australia’s K-12 education sector.
The Educator magazine’s annual Rising Star awards honour professionals under 35 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and impact. It recognises educators who are not only highly skilled in their craft, but who also bring vision, dedication and a deep commitment to shaping the future of learning.
For recipients, Ms Mikaela Maroudas and Ms Penny Zachariah, the recognition has been deeply meaningful.
Mikaela, Assistant Head of English and Christian Integrator, felt “incredibly honoured and flattered” upon receiving the award. Similarly Penny, Assistant Head of Science and Visible Literacy Coordinator, reflected that the recognition left her feeling “valued and honoured”, particularly because it came through nomination by colleagues and leaders within the School community.
Together, their stories reflect a shared commitment to growth, both in themselves and in their students.
Now in her fifth year at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Mikaela has contributed across both academic and pastoral spaces, previously serving in the Middle School pastoral care team. She is passionate about the relational nature of teaching, describing the classroom as a place where trust is built over time.
“I love unpacking texts together, exploring what it means to be human and hearing students share and craft their own stories.”
“I love unpacking texts together, exploring what it means to be human and hearing students share and craft their own stories,” she said.
Penny, who has been at the School since 2020, teaches Science from Year 7-10 and HSC Physics in Year 11-12, while also leading initiatives across the school in literacy. Her approach is grounded in a belief that every student is capable of growth.
“I see every learner as capable of understanding and every lesson as an opportunity to spark curiosity.”
“I see every learner as capable of understanding and every lesson as an opportunity to spark curiosity.”
Both educators are passionate about the profound impact of their work – not through single moments, but through ongoing experiences. Mikaela recalls a student who found security and stability in her English classroom during a personally challenging time – an experience that reaffirmed her sense of purpose as an educator.
“I experience deep joy in both the intellectual and personal journeys of my students, celebrating not only academic success but resilience and growth.”
“I experience deep joy in both the intellectual and personal journeys of my students, celebrating not only academic success but resilience and growth,” she said.
Penny also shared her passion for seeing students reshape their understanding of the world through topics such as disease, genetics, climate change and sustainability.
At the heart of their work is a shared love of learning – both driven by the ever-evolving nature of teaching by developing strategies that support student growth.
Mikaela and Penny also highlighted the unique community at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. Mikaela described the students as “incredibly talented, funny and genuinely kind,” while Penny enthused about their “supportive, encouraging and inspiring colleagues,” both agreeing that the School provides an environment where educators and students alike can thrive.
Looking ahead, both educators remain committed to continual growth. Mikaela hopes to further refine her teaching practice to better support every student, while Penny aspires to expand her work in translating educational research into practical strategies that benefit teachers across the School.
Their advice to early career teachers reflects humility and wisdom: take the journey step by step, embrace continual learning and lean on the support of others.
Through their dedication, passion and impact, Mikaela and Penny exemplify what it means to be true Rising Stars – educators who are not only shaping young minds, but also the future of education itself.
The Educator’s Rising Star Awards were announced on 29 April 2026.
