MACS - Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools

Home > News and Events > 2025 > June > Australia's Best Teachers finalists announced In classrooms and school yards across Australia they inspire our children to learn, dream and stay connected.
But many teachers continue to feel undervalued and unsupported.
New research – revealed in this year’s Australia’s Best Teachers series – found three in four educators love being an educator and feels it’s a fulfilling career.

Yet only three in 10 teachers feel they are valued, supported and positively portrayed in society.
The research found the vast majority of parents believe the right educator can truly shape a child’s future, with passionate, skilled teachers seen as the single biggest influence on learning outcomes and success.

Recognising, celebrating and elevating the status of teachers has been the core purpose of our Australia’s Best Teachers series since it launched. Now in its third year, the series continues to profile the positive impact teachers have and illustrates why celebrating their work has a profound impact.

“This year’s Australia’s Best Teachers campaign has shone a spotlight on some of the most inspiring and dedicated educators across the country,” Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools executive director Dr Edward Simons said.

“With more than 2500 nominations across our 300 primary and secondary schools, each is a testament to the lasting impact our teachers have shaping young hearts and minds, and opening doors to brighter futures.”

This year, six MACS teachers have been nominated as finalists for Victoria. Let's meet them:

ROBERT ZAAR
Mazenod College, Mulgrave

Robert Zaar is a beloved and well-respected religious education teacher who creates personal connections with students. His positive, supportive approach makes everyone feel welcomed, respected and inspired to learn.

PIER BOURNE
St John’s Regional College, Dandenong

Pier Bourne is passionate about making school accessible and the classroom fulfilling and enjoyable. She prioritises the needs of her students above all and is an asset to her community.

NICOLE MORCOM
St Monica’s College, Epping

Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Nicole Morcom brings three decades of dedication to St Monica’s College as an exceptional educator and mentor. She has had an enormous impact on the professional development of colleagues and her passion for teaching is infectious.

EILEEN MARNER
St Mary MacKillop Primary School, Keilor Downs

Eileen Marner creates nurturing classrooms where children thrive academically and emotionally. Her patient, creative approach builds lifelong learning foundations while maintaining strong communication with families, making lasting impacts on students’ character, confidence and development.

ANDREA DOWLING
Holy Trinity School, Wantirna South

Andrea Dowling is a knowledgeable educator who understands each student’s needs, guiding their whole-person development. Her cultural sensitivity, community involvement, and approachable nature strengthen the school community.

DOLORES HODGSON
St Thomas the Apostle, Greensborough

Dolores builds relationships with her students based on trust, respect and care. She sees each child individually, celebrating small wins and supporting their academic, emotional and social growth.

This is an extract of an article that was originally published on the Herald Sun website on 20 June 2025.