Cobram has once again found itself in the national spotlight after a science teacher from Cobram Secondary College received a prestigious teaching award and scholarship.
George Allen, 30, is one of only 10 early career teachers around the nation to receive a 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award for outstanding leadership and innovation in student learning.
Mr Allen said it was an incredible honour to receive the recognition.
“It feels really special to be afforded such an honour,” he said.
Presented by Schools Plus, the annual Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards ceremony was held in Canberra on Monday, September 9.
Mr Allen found himself in “a state of disbelief” when he discovered he was among the award-winners.
“It means more to me than I am able to express,” he said.
A Perth boy born and raised, Mr Allen studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in geology and chemistry at the University of Western Australia.
He came out of his university studies without a clear idea of what he wanted to do next.
Before starting his teaching career, Mr Allen worked as a lab manager in north-west Western Australia.
He then worked fly-in, fly-out in Canada, before returning home in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Looking for a career change, Mr Allen then applied with the Teach for Australia Program.
The rest is history.
Mr Allen said he felt “a huge sense of pride” when he heard the college was represented at the awards.
“I really feel like it was a great recognition for some of the programs and support for students at the school that we’ve been trying to build,” he said.
Mr Allen said the Cobram Secondary College culture was phenomenal.
“The staff culture at Cobram Secondary College is fantastic. I know every single one of my colleagues. I really enjoy working with every single one of [them].
“And I think that’s the sort of working environment where people are at their best — when they really feel like they’re part of the team.”
Mr Allen is also involved in local community groups, including the Cobram Barooga Apex Club and the Cobram Football Netball Club.
“The Cobram community has been phenomenal,” he said.
Mr Allen also plays bassoon with the Shepparton Brass and Wind Ensemble.
When asked what he enjoys most about his career, Mr Allen said it was all about the students.
“I love being able to provide new experiences and broaden the horizons of the students. It really is my passion to ... support the students into tertiary education. And particularly provide them with an understanding of their ability to go to university,” he said.
“They [the students at Cobram Secondary College] are as smart and capable and brilliant as anyone from anywhere.”
• Photos courtesy of Schools Plus.