NSW Teachers Reach for the Stars

The exploration of space is the next big thing for the human species and astronauts aside, space programs need STEM people.

A world-first collaboration between Australian and U.S. leaders in space education will see NSW teachers at the forefront of space knowledge, with the launch of the Aldrin / Andy Thomas Ambassador Program.

The program is a joint venture between the NSW Department of Education, University of Sydney’s Sydney Academy of Teaching Excellence, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, and the Aldrin Family Foundation - founded by the family of iconic moonwalker Dr Buzz Aldrin.

It is a landmark international learning initiative that will connect Australian educators with global leaders in space and STEM learning.

Applications are open to teachers, school leaders, and learning specialists who are actively engaged in delivering STEM or space-related programs in schools.

The program was formally launched as part of the Australian Space Curriculum Collaborative (ASCC) - a four-day event hosted by the University of Sydney and the NSW Department of Education during IAC 2025. The ASCC brings together educators, academics, and industry leaders from around the world to develop cutting-edge space and STEM curriculum resources.

Teachers chosen as Aldrin / Thomas Ambassadors will receive:
•    Three years of exclusive professional learning
•    International networking opportunities
•    A chance to co-develop curriculum with global partners.

Ambassadors will also join the Aldrin Family Foundation’s existing U.S. Ambassador network, forming a unique trans-Pacific community of space educators committed to inspiring students through science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Partners in the project include the NSW Department of Education through the STEM Enrichment team’s initiatives, including Academies of STEM Excellence and Virtual STEM Academy; the Sydney Academy of Teaching Excellence (University of Sydney), a leader in professional learning and teacher development, headed by Professor Scott Sleap, Professor Eddie Woo, and Professor Philip Cummins; the Andy Thomas Space Foundation which promotes education and research in honour of Dr Andy Thomas AO, one of Australia’s pioneering astronauts and the Aldrin Family Foundation (USA) founded by the family of Dr Buzz Aldrin and led by Dr Andy Aldrin which inspires students through hands-on space learning.

“This program is about giving our teachers a launchpad into world-leading professional development, inspiring the next generation of students to reach for the stars,” NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said.

“It’s about building bridges between countries, institutions, and classrooms.”