Paula Taylor has been recognised for creating innovative, real-life learning experiences in science.
13 November 2025
In brief:
- Paula Taylor has received the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools.
- She is a STEM teacher who aims to spark curiosity and confidence in students and teachers.
- This article looks at the reasons Paula’s work was recognised this way.
A Canberra teacher has received the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools.
Paula Taylor is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teacher with the ACT Education Directorate’s Academy of Future Skills.
The award celebrates her ability to:
- make science engaging and authentic by using real-life, hands-on learning
- help every student and teacher feel capable in science.
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
Paula was one of eight awardees acknowledged at the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.
The Prizes are Australia’s most prestigious science awards. They recognise Australia's top scientists, innovators and educators.
Making science meaningful
The award acknowledged her commitment to ‘innovative, real-life learning experiences that engage students of all abilities and inspire a lifelong passion for science’.
Paula wants students to see science can happen anywhere, not just in labs.
She works alongside classroom teachers, too – mentoring, co-teaching and modelling lessons.
She believes every teacher is capable of leading powerful science lessons. Her efforts encourage them to connect science, maths, technology and engineering in class. This helps show how they link together in real life.
The Academy of Future Skills
Paula’s award coincided with her eight-year anniversary of joining the Academy of Future Skills.
The Academy team has specialties in every STEM area. Its aim is to build STEM capability and make it more accessible to all students.
So far, it has supported more than 10,000 students and 480 teachers across the ACT.
Leading the way
Paula has become a leader in science education during her 25-year career.
In 2026, she will become President of the Australian Science Teachers Association.
Paula’s commitment to helping teachers and students explore science is as strong as ever.
She believes the work of science educators is ongoing, because science itself never stands still.
Read more about the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website.
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