Jade Bassett

Jade Bassett is an award-winning Australian educator whose transformative work in STEM education has reshaped opportunities for young women from some of the nation’s most disadvantaged backgrounds. Over the past three years, she has built the Rutherford Technology High School Women in STEM Programme into a nationally recognised model of equity, innovation, and student empowerment – one that proves brilliance is not defined by postcode, disability, or circumstance.

Jade founded the programme to address entrenched inequities faced by students at Rutherford Technology High School, many of whom experience poverty, significant learning disabilities, and limited exposure to STEM pathways. Through this programme, which runs weekly for the entire school year, students engage in robotics, coding, engineering design, entrepreneurship, and sustainable innovation. Under her leadership, students have founded companies – including EcoVolt Drive, Dairy Way, and Coastal Currents Co. – developing real products such as thermoelectric generators, biodegradable packaging, and environmentally friendly surfboards. They have presented at major industry hubs, pitched to founders, worked with 160 female industry mentors, completed 45 site tours, and participated in high-level networking events with over 100 innovators. 

Jade’s students have achieved extraordinary outcomes previously unimaginable for young people facing severe disadvantage. They have represented Australia at the H2GP World Final in Germany and will showcase their innovations internationally in Switzerland in 2026. Many began the programme with low confidence or limited academic success yet emerged as engineers, entrepreneurs, and global citizens equipped with the skills, resilience, and belief needed to shape the future. 

Her excellence has been recognised nationally through prestigious honours including the Australian Schools Plus Teaching Fellowship, which was presented by the Australian Prime Minister, the Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, and the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Innovation. She has also received personal letters of commendation from the Minister for Education and the Department of Education’s Director of Educational Leadership. 

Jade’s approach is grounded in innovation, evidence-based practice, and deep commitment to student success. She has created scalable teacher resources – workbooks, risk assessments, and toolkits – allowing the programme to expand beyond her own classroom. Her mentoring of colleagues, presentations at education forums, and collaboration with industry leaders contribute to raising the standard of STEM education across Australia. 

Climate change education is embedded throughout her curriculum, with students designing renewable energy solutions, sustainable materials, and environmentally conscious technologies. Through international exposure, cross-industry collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, Jade cultivates global citizens who understand their responsibility to create a more sustainable and inclusive future. 

If awarded the Global Teacher Prize, Jade plans to expand her programme nationally, fund international learning opportunities for disadvantaged students, and invest in teacher training and sustainable STEM projects that scale far beyond her school community. 

Jade Bassett’s work is more than teaching – it is life-changing. She has built pathways where none existed, empowered young women to defy expectations, and created a replicable model of STEM equity that is transforming lives and inspiring communities across Australia.