St Columba’s Catholic Primary School Leichhardt North teacher Pember Schubert has been named one of Australia’s Best Teachers in a national series by The Daily Telegraph.

Pember is widely known in her school community for transforming her classroom into a dynamic, joy-filled space where students are encouraged to wonder, explore and engage. 

From recreating Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory to embracing the chaos of Dr Seuss’ Wacky Wednesday, she finds playful ways to immerse students in learning.

“I strive to design a classroom that’s warm, welcoming and full of wonder,” she said. “Not every day can be wacky, of course, but those are the days students remember.”

Pember’s journey into teaching was inspired by her own Year 2 teacher, Mrs Yallouris, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Earlwood.

“She made every student feel valued and sparked a genuine love of learning in her classroom,” Pember recalled. “Ever since then, I’ve wanted to be for others what she was for me, a teacher who makes a real difference.”

That early spark has shaped a career defined by creativity, collaboration and care. As well as being a classroom teacher, Pember also serves as an Instructional Specialist, supporting colleagues across the school.

“Effective teaching doesn’t happen in isolation,” she said. “It takes a team of dedicated educators and leaders working together.

I’ve learned so much from the colleagues I’ve worked alongside, collaboration makes us all stronger.”

Pember was completely surprised by The Daily Telegraph’s acknowledgement, which highlights the creativity, passion and impact of exceptional educators across the country.

“I had no idea I’d been nominated,” she said. “I felt incredibly lucky, humbled and quite frankly flabbergasted that someone thought so highly of me. Being recognised for something I love doing …