The Department of Education has named Victorian College for the Deaf teacher Mr Robert Harrow as the state’s most Outstanding Secondary Teacher in the Victorian Education Excellence Awards 2025.
The college enrolled students in VCE (the Victorian Certificate of Education) for the first time in 15 years due to improved literacy and numeracy supported by his leadership work as well as more accessible instruction and assessment.
“Robert Harrow has driven improvements in student engagement, learning and wellbeing as secondary school leader at the Victorian College for the Deaf,” the Department of Education said.
“As a young Deaf man, Robert’s experiences shape his leadership. He created accessible vocational pathways, adapting VET (vocational education and training) certificates for delivery in Australian Sign Language (Auslan).
“He uses clear instruction and adjusted assessments, so all students can succeed.
“For the first time in 15 years, the college enrolled students in VCE due to improved literacy and numeracy supported by Robert’s leadership.”
He also developed the first Deaf-led Auslan translation of the Attitudes to School survey. This means Deaf students across Victoria can provide feedback.
The department honoured some of the state’s most outstanding teachers and school staff in individual and team awards presented at a ceremony at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne on 26 October, ahead of Australia’s celebration of World Teachers’ Day on 31 October 2025.
Mr Ben Carroll, Minister for Education, congratulated winners of the awards which recognise outstanding teachers, principals, business managers and education support staff at government schools.
Winners were celebrated across 14 categories, recognising recipients for their achievements in education, the positive impact on their school communities and student learning and wellbeing outcomes.
“Our teachers, principals and education professionals do a crucial job in educating our young people and these awards recognise those who go that extra mile to help young Victorians thrive at school,” Carroll said.
“These winners deserve our praise and thanks for the crucial work they are doing to give Victorian students a great education.”
Victorian Education Excellence Award winners received grants of up to $25,000 to undertake professional learning and access further resources and opportunities to drive excellence in Victorian public education.
Click here for more information about the awards, winners and finalists.
