Tottenham teacher Jodie Attenborough's skills have been recognised with the awarding of a top education award.

Mrs Attenborough received the coveted Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Teaching Award at the 2024 Premier’s Prizes night for Science and Engineering held on October 30 at Government House in Sydney.

It is a glittering achievement for someone based in a small school in a small town in the heart of the state.

A dedicated mathematics educator at Tottenham Central School, Mrs Attenborough is passionate about teaching, particularly in rural and remote areas.

The award recognised her innovative approach, creating accessible and engaging educational content that fosters a diverse and positive learning environment, enhancing student interest and participation.

By using a profound knowledge of mathematics curricula, assessment and pedagogy Mrs Attenborough transformed the numeracy content endorsed course to an online platform for the Western Access Program, which supports HSC students in rural areas by providing teaching resources online.

Jodie Attenborough receiving her award with Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP - Image supplied

“To be selected as one of only ten people invited to receive the award at Government House was an incredibly surreal experience,” said Mrs Attenborough.

“Surrounded by esteemed Professors and Distinguished Professors, all eager to hear my story, it was humbling to have my work recognized in such a meaningful way.

“Many of them took the time to emphasize how important our role as teachers is to their own fields, reinforcing the profound impact educators have beyond the classroom.

“I never could have imagined being nominated for, let alone winning, this award. My work has always been driven by a simple desire: to support both students and teachers, and to share with them the same sense of engagement and excitement I experience in the classroom.

“So, when I received the call informing me I had won, I honestly didn’t believe it. I had to ask them to repeat it several times. Then, they mentioned sending a film crew out, and I jokingly asked if they had actually looked up where Tottenham was,” she laughed.

“I was fortunate to be inspired by a couple of remarkable mathematics teachers at both primary school and later at Forbes High School. Their passion for the subject sparked my own love for maths, and I quickly saw how much of a difference the right teacher can make.

“I also noticed what happened when that inspiration was lacking, which fuelled my desire to become an educator. I wanted to show students that mathematics isn't just a subject in a textbook—it's a vital part of everything we do.

Mrs Attenborough with officials and 2024 award winners at Government House in Sydney recently - Image supplied

Mrs Attenborough gained her teaching qualifications at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga, and has also had the privilege of teaching in a variety of settings across Australia and even in Cambridge, England.

“One of the most rewarding moments as a teacher is witnessing that “aha!” moment when a student grasps a concept or sees how it connects to something they already know. To foster these moments of understanding, I believe making mathematics relatable and engaging is essential,” said Mrs Attenborough.

“I strive to show students how mathematics is relevant to their lives and interests”

“Over time, I’ve found that when students can see the practical applications of what they’re learning—and when the concepts are tied to something meaningful to them—they become more engaged and begin to understand the 'why' behind the lesson.

“Over the years, I’ve encountered many students from other schools who claim to dislike mathematics, often because they feel they just don’t understand it. In contrast, my own students frequently ask how I manage to make such a challenging subject so enjoyable. This stark contrast sparked my curiosity about what I was doing differently and marked the beginning of a new chapter in my teaching journey.

This curiosity led her to apply for a mentoring role for teachers retraining in mathematics, where she quickly realised there was a significant need for support as many teachers felt uncomfortable asking for help.

What began as a small-scale effort to assist colleagues expanded, with educators from neighbouring schools reaching out, and now schools from across Australia seek guidance on topics ranging from the Numeracy CEC course to strategies for transitioning students from primary to secondary school, or even how to better engage Stage 4 and Stage 5 students in math.

“Ultimately, my goal is to ensure every student is engaged in the math classroom, creating a positive, collaborative, and interactive learning environment”

Angie Bush Principal Tottenham Central School

Principal of Tottenham Central School Angie Bush said Mrs Attenborough’s achievement is a testament to her dedication and expertise.

“The best part is her hands-on, real life approach in the classroom, making learning engaging and relevant for students,” said Mrs Bush.

“Her passion for teaching maths shines through in everything she does, especially in helping other teacher bring this approach to their own classrooms.

“The commitment is what truly stands out, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievement and the positive influence she brings to our community."