Hellyer College teacher Ronan Douglas has been named the 2025 recipient of the Public Education Foundation’s Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship. Based in Tasmania, Ronan has a passion for empowering students and supporting the teaching profession, particularly in rural and regional areas.
Ronan, who teaches Years 11 and 12, plans to use the Teachers Health Scholarship to pursue professional development opportunities, including a program at Harvard University. His focus will be on the psychological aspects of teaching and learning, an area closely aligned with his current university studies.
“This scholarship offers a pathway into professional development that would have otherwise been impossible for me to access,” Ronan said. “Growing up on the North East coast of Tasmania, opportunities to broaden one’s horizons are often limited. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to succeed in perhaps one of my most unlikely dreams of going to Harvard! Furthermore, the professional development I aim to attend will connect with my university studies, deepening my understanding of how to create supportive learning environments.”
Ronan is also deeply committed to addressing critical issues in education, such as the nationwide teacher shortage. “Across the country, we are losing qualified teachers, particularly in rural and regional Australia,” he explained. “Having strong teacher leadership in the next few years will be critical in ensuring that our students are not put at a disadvantage. By enhancing my understanding of how to prepare students for the challenges of the future, I hope to one day lead my colleagues in developing thoughtful students who can meaningfully engage with the world around them.”
This scholarship opportunity will not only benefit Ronan’s professional growth but also create lasting impacts for his students and the broader Tasmanian community. “I teach a variety of students in Years 11 and 12, each of whom belongs to a strong community with aspirations to improve outcomes for those around them,” Ronan shared. “This opportunity allows me to reflect on the assessments and learning experiences I provide, ensuring they support students’ transitions from formal schooling. Personally, it will also enable me to work with the network of Tasmanian teachers to improve literacy and metacognitive outcomes across the State.”
The Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship supports public school teachers in the first three years of their teaching career, with $10,000 provided for professional development activities.
Teachers Health Group CEO, Brad Joyce, emphasised the importance of investing in educators like Ronan:
“We are delighted to support Ronan as he embarks on this exciting professional journey. Being able to invest in his dedication, passion and commitment to his students and his profession is the reason why giving back to the education community is such a cornerstone of Teachers Health.
“Now in its tenth year, our partnership with the Public Education Foundation is so important to us – by empowering passionate educators early in their careers, we can help them make a meaningful impact on their students and communities both now and into the future.”
Paul Somers, Chief Operating Officer of the Public Education Foundation echoed this sentiment, highlighting the program’s significance. “It is inspiring to see Ronan’s dedication to teaching and his vision for addressing key challenges in education. This scholarship will enable him to further enhance his pedagogical skills and strengthen educational outcomes for students in Tasmania. We are incredibly grateful to Teachers Health for their continued support in fostering excellence in public education.”
Ronan’s selection as the 2025 recipient highlights his commitment to education, his community, and the next generation of learners.
For more information, please contact the Public Education Foundation at info@publiceducationfoundation.org.au or Teachers Health at media@teachershealth.com.au.
About Teachers Health
Teachers Health is health insurance for teachers, the education community, and their families. Created by teachers for teachers more than 70 years ago, Teachers Health has grown to become Australia’s largest industry-based health fund and one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit health insurers. Teachers Health is committed to putting members first and supporting the education community. See more details at https://www.teachershealth.com.au.
Teachers Health focuses on what matters most – supporting the health and wellbeing of their members. They also give back to the education community, through scholarships, sponsorships and health and wellbeing programs.
About the Public Education Foundation
The Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to students and educators in public education, and enhancing the value and reputation of public education. See more details at www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au.
