Head of Maths at Calrossy, Stephen Lawson, was one of 20 NSW teachers from both government and non-government schools to be honoured by premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Rob Stokes on Tuesday night.

Mr Lawson has been dedicating his time to developing “growth mindsets in mathematics” to further engage students and promote individualised learning.

“People have fixed mindsets or growth mindsets – put simply a person with a fixed mindset will make a mistake and stop what they are doing, where a growth mindset will see a mistake as an opportunities,” Mr Lawson said.

“I want to teach children in years seven and eight to develop growth mindsets.” 

That commitment grew from his 15 years of standing in front of classrooms, watching some students accelerate and improve while others were “being set up for failure.”

“I have seen year eight kids that are struggling with basic numeracy being taught percentages and functions because that is what the curriculum states has to be taught,” he said.

As of next year Mr Lawson will be implementing a new program at the school which will see a flexible classroom environment where all year seven and eight students will be doing “stage 4” maths together.

“We will have mixed classes with mixed abilities that will be flexible, so we can change the classes and students around and focus on areas and utilise resources more effectively to achieve that targeted individualised learning,” he said.

In the meantime Mr Lawson plans on traveling the globe to see how other nations and institutions are adapting to a growth mindset style of teaching.

The scholarship includes a $15,000 grant that must be spent on travel “for school-based teachers to explore best practice in their chosen subject area.”

“There has been a lot of research done by Jo Boaler at Stanford University in California, and schools are also about to begin a similar program in Scotland that I would like to see the results of,” Mr Lawson said.

“I want to be able to get in the classrooms and see it in practice so I can write a practical guide for teachers in NSW.” 

Calrossy Principal David Smith applauded the maths teacher for his innovation and drive to lead education reform.

“He has a real passion and is working for teachers in other schools and other systems as well,” Mr Smith said.

“It is very exciting, and great to see a country teacher recognised as one of the best in the country.”