Brett Salakas - Reimagining education through connection and innovation
Finalist for The Paul Cross Educator of the Year Award 2025
In classrooms across Australia - from remote Northern Territorycommunities to bustling Sydney schools - Brett Salakas has quietly led arevolution. As a Finalist for The Paul Cross Educator of the Year Award the King’s Trust Australia Awards 2025, Brett’s impact is felt notjust in lesson plans, but in lives transformed.
With over 26 years of teaching and leadership experience acrossSoutheast Asia and Australia, Brett has redefined what it means to be aneducator in the digital age. His philosophy is simple yet profound: “No amountof AI or technology can replace the connection a teacher builds with astudent.” That belief drives every initiative he leads.
At Berry Springs Public School in the Northern Territory, Brett helpedturn low attendance and digital disengagement into global recognition. Hisculturally sensitive tech interventions sparked a surge in student engagement,earning the school the title of “Most Growth and Improvement” on the worldstage.
But Brett’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Asfounding coach of Wests Girls Rugby and MLC Burwood’s first rugby mentor, heshattered barriers in girls’ sport - opening doors that led one student to present Australia in women’s rugby.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brett’s leadership became alifeline. He spearheaded the NSW Department of Education’s Learning fromHome Hub, ensuring millions of students - especially the most vulnerable - couldcontinue learning in dynamic, inclusive digital environments.
Brett’s reach is systemic. As HP Education Ambassador, hedeveloped the Reinventthe Classroom methodology, now adopted across Australiaand New Zealand. His work helped Baulkham Hills North Public School become afinalist in the 2023 Global EdTech Awards for “Best Digital Transformation.”
He’s also a community builder. Brett founded #aussieED, Australia’s largest online teaching network, and launched Mammoth Learning, a publishing house helping 50 Australian educators become authors. His own bestselling book, A Mammoth Lesson, has amplified Australian educationalvoices globally.
Through his podcast, professional development sessions, andtireless advocacy, Brett continues to empower educators, parents, and studentsalike. His work is a blueprint for how technology can deepen, not dilute, humanconnection in learning.
Congratulations, Brett, on this well-earned recognition!
Explore more about the King’s Trust Australia Awards and otherinspiring finalists at kingstrust.org.au.
