'I've been a teacher for 7 years. Nothing prepared me for this.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Commonwealth Bank

For Emma Davis, teaching extends well beyond the classroom.

As an Early Years and Primary Teacher at Parnngurr Community School, a small remote school in the Martu community of Parnngurr, located in the Pilbara desert of Western Australia, her role doesn't end with the 3pm bell. 

Being one of only three teachers at the school, a bumpy four-wheel drive from the nearest town, Emma's work in this remote First Nations community touches every part of school life.

With a student population that fluctuates between 12 and 18 pupils, Emma's time at Parnngurr has opened her eyes to the beautiful connections and learning experiences that can be nurtured when school life is part of a close-knit community. 

"The community becomes your family. You wear so many hats — teacher, carer, nurse, neighbour. There's never a dull moment."

For Emma, that means everything from volunteering to help at the community's one tiny shop, to resetting an alarm on the local ATM, hand-delivering puppies and even giving the occasional haircut.

Having studied teaching at the University of Auckland, she was drawn to a programme that wove First Nations perspectives into education, linking students' cultural identities with the mainstream curriculum.

In Parnngurr, where the school keeps its doors open to families and elders to share culture and traditions, Emma has drawn on her training to adapt her teaching style, making lessons as relevant and engaging as possible. One example is the Two-Way Science program, which blends Martu ecological knowledge of Country with Western science.

Emma embraces the bilingualism and biculturalism of her students and said that she's learning as much from them as they learn from her: "These kids can think in two or three languages. That's such a gift. I never want my students to feel they have to leave part of their identity behind to succeed." 

Emma is one of 12 outstanding teachers recognised this year as part of the Schools Plus Teaching Awards, supported by Commonwealth Bank, which celebrate the extraordinary difference teachers make in the lives of kids across Australia. 

Each recipient receives a $20,000 prize, including $10,000 to design a high-impact school program and a year-long Teaching Fellowship.

Established in 2014 following the landmark Gonski Review, which exposed deep inequities in Australia's education system, Schools Plus is a national not-for-profit dedicated to giving every child the chance to thrive. Its programs target gaps in learning, wellbeing and resilience, with a particular focus on rural, regional and remote schools, First Nations communities and schools affected by crisis and climate change.

For Emma, being named a recipient of the award is an honour she shares with her school community.

"To be so remote and not only considered but chosen was unexpected. This is a win for my school and for the Martu families I work alongside," she said.

Looking back on her career so far, Emma reflected on the three lessons she could never have predicted when she first set foot in a classroom.

1. Learning never stops.

Emma has discovered that being a teacher means being a lifelong learner. 

"I'm always developing my practice, whether it's learning from colleagues with doctorates, education researchers or from the Martu elders who share their knowledge of Country," she said. 

Even in the most remote parts of Australia, professional growth is constant, and Emma has completed further study, including a graduate certificate, while teaching full-time.

She said that the professional development, combined with the daily lessons of life in a remote community, has helped her grow both as a teacher and as a person — and shows her students that learning is a lifelong journey.

"The kids love it when I tell them I've got homework to do too!" said Emma. 

2. Wellbeing comes first.

As Emma pointed out, the foundation for learning starts with wellbeing, and it's essential if kids are going to be able to engage each day.

"Wellbeing is paramount. A kid can't learn if they're not feeling good. If a student comes in tired, they need to rest. If they're not emotionally regulated, we need to support that first. The kids need to feel safe and have their basic needs met before they can thrive."

So her school mornings start with preparing breakfast for students, setting out clean clothes for anyone who needs them and creating a calm, welcoming space where kids feel safe and ready to learn.

3. Wearing all the hats.

For Emma, the extension of her role in a community like this was something she didn't ever expect, but it's something she's embraced with an open heart. 

With such a small team, she has learned to step into many roles — teacher, mentor, carer, dog sitter — often within the same day. Supporting the wellbeing of kids, helping families and contributing to the life of the community are all part of her work.

"It feels like they're all part of your family. I'm here for 40 weeks at a time, and I spend more time in the community than with my own family and friends. It becomes your second home," said Emma. 

For Emma, red sand, desert sky star gazing and wildlife encounters with everything from camels to dingoes — and even a curious snake who turned up in her kitchen — are now part of everyday life. 

Her message to aspiring teachers is clear: "Do it, even if it scares you. You'll be amazed at how resilient you are and how much you'll grow. When schools and communities work together, incredible things happen."

Read about the 12 recipients of the 2025 Schools Plus Teaching Awards, supported by Commonwealth Bank.

Feature Image: Supplied.

The Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Commonwealth Bank were launched in 2016 to recognise and reward 12 outstanding teachers and school leaders across Australia for the profound impact they have on children and their communities.
Read the stories of the 2025 winners at schoolsplus.org.au/teachingawards