Caulfield Grammar School teachers Rose Shamaoil and Siobhan Phyland have been named 2026 Rising Stars by The Educator, recognising Australia’s top emerging educators.

The Educator celebrates the best young teachers across the nation, distinguishing themselves with their commitment and passion. The Educator’s Rising Stars 2026 is a collection of exceptional teachers under 35 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and achievement in their professional journeys so far.  

Caulfield Grammar School is incredibly proud to have two dedicated teachers amongst this prestigious group of educators – Ms Rose Shamoail and Siobhan Phyland.  

This Rising Star recognition is a reflection not only of Rose’s and Siobhan’s talent and drive, but also of the environment that cultivates excellence at Caulfield Grammar School, where teachers are empowered, supported and inspired to make a difference. 

Read more about their professional journeys below.

Siobhan Phyland – English & Humanities Teacher, Head of House (Year 9 & 10)  

Siobhan is a secondary educator whose leadership is defined by deep compassion, she continuously pushes the boundaries of creative and embodied pedagogies in her practice, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to student growth and innovation in education. If you ever walk past a classroom and notice colour, laughter and deep learning – chances are that Siobhan is at the helm, nurturing, caring, supporting and facilitating lifelong learning.  

As an educator, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to build trust, elevate student voice and foster a culture of accountability, empathy and inclusion. 

What sets Siobhan apart is the care with which she approaches student behaviour and wellbeing. She is passionate about helping students find their voice, think critically, and build confidence in who they are. She believes every student is unique and capable of great things, and is deeply committed to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where young people feel known, valued, and encouraged to grow both academically and personally. 

Siobhan works collaboratively with colleagues and Learning Area Leaders to ensure students receive holistic support. Alongside this, her service as Head of Debating and her management of the Junior Speech and Debating Program reflect her dedication to developing students’ confidence, voice and critical thinking beyond the classroom.  

What makes Siobhan so special is her genuine passion for elevating and championing the voices of the underdog and celebrating as they shine. Balancing curriculum leadership with co-curricular engagement, she models the intersection of academic excellence and student wellbeing, always with a generous pinch of fun and her signature Canadian charm. 

Rose Shamoail – Mathematics Teacher and Head of House, Middle School

As an innovative educator and strategic leader, Rose brings together curriculum excellence and relational leadership in ways that have significant impact across the School. Having led as a Curriculum Leader of Mathematics before moving into the role of Head of House (Middle School), she has demonstrated a rare capacity to lead across both curriculum and pastoral domains, reflecting a deep commitment to educating the whole child. Grounded in authenticity and high expectations, she brings warmth, purpose and clarity to all aspects of her work. 

Rose has played a pivotal role in advancing STEAM education through innovative and interdisciplinary learning, fostering rich connections across Mathematics, Science, English and Humanities. Her work has modelled best practice in integrated curriculum design, deepened student engagement in authentic, real-world learning, and strengthened collaboration and innovation across teaching teams. Her enthusiasm for curriculum innovation and commitment to meaningful learning experiences are evident in every aspect of her teaching and leadership. 

Rose’s impact extends beyond the School through her contribution to the wider education sector as a university lecturer for postgraduate Education students. In this work, Rose inspires aspiring teachers through contemporary pedagogical practice, sharing her expertise and fostering a passion for high-quality teaching in future educators. Her ability to influence both students and educators reflects a deep commitment to the profession and to educational excellence more broadly. 

Rose’s leadership is marked by lasting and multi-layered impact across wellbeing, curriculum and the broader educational landscape. Whether through nurturing student growth, driving innovation in teaching and learning, or mentoring the next generation of educators, she brings intellectual rigour, compassion and vision to her work, making a profound contribution to the School community.