Nominated: Cobram Anglican Grammar School’s Gary Smith has been nominated for the prestigious title of Secondary School Teacher of the Year (non-government) at the 2023 Australian Education Awards. Here Mr Smith sits with students Cody Lincoln (L) and Martin Kong (R).
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One of Cobram Anglican Grammar School’s longest-serving teachers, Gary Smith, has been shortlisted for the prestigious title of Secondary School Teacher of the Year (non-government) at the 2023 Australian Education Awards.
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Mr Smith’s nomination will come as no surprise to those who have witnessed his professionalism and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for his students during his extensive time at the school.
Since commencing at CAGS in 2006, Mr Smith has proved himself to be an invaluable asset to the school, teaching physics, specialist mathematics, maths methods and woodwork.
With the Pang family putting together his nomination for the award, it certainly came as a shock to Mr Smith to find out he has made the shortlist with seven other teachers from around the nation.
“I’ve never been nominated for something like this before so it’s nice to know parents think you’re doing a good job,” he said.
Power couple: Gary Smith with wife and fellow CAGS teacher Melonie Smith at the 2023 schools swimming carnival.
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One of Mr Smith’s greatest qualities as an educator is his ability to cater to the diverse needs of his students.
He teaches his classes in a manner that accommodates both the academically exceptional students as well as those requiring extra assistance, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of accomplishment.
One of the most rewarding accomplishments of Mr Smith’s teaching career thus far was last year when then Year 11 student Cody Lincoln attained a perfect study score of 50 in physics, much to Mr Smith’s amazement.
“To think there were only 17 students in the state who achieved a 50, especially when you consider how many top private schools there are where students do physics, it’s a pretty special achievement,” Mr Smith said.
Despite teaching for nearly 38 years, Mr Smith is still invigorated by the prospect of working with bright young minds each day and cherishes the opportunity to steer his students in the right direction.
His “be smart and be proud of it” mantra eliminates any stigma associated with students participating in academic competitions — an area of passion that he and wife Melonie have had a profound impact on during their time at the school.
The underlying mutual respect between Mr Smith and his students, combined with his innate ability to inspire them, is best summed up by current school captain Cadence Pang.
“Mr Smith is one of the best maths teachers I’ve ever had. I often look forward to his lively classes, where he demonstrates his almost-magical ability to paint pictures with numbers and formulas, so that each of his students grasp complicated concepts,” Cadence said.
“Even though Mr Smith juggles many extra-curricular activities as well, he frequently dedicates time to provide extra support. I’m grateful for having such an amazing teacher in my life," Cadence said.
The awards ceremony will be held on August 11 in Sydney.
