Charles Fedor recognised in national education award

Guildford Grammar School teacher Charles Fedor has been recognised as one of Australia’s top emerging educators, named a 2025 Rising Star by The Educator.

Now in its tenth year, the Rising Stars award celebrates 50 of the most promising professionals aged 35 and under from across the Australian K–12 sector. Winners are selected for their leadership, innovation and tangible impact in the early stages of their careers.

Driving excellence inside and beyond the classroom

Charles joined Guildford Grammar School in 2023 as a Senior School HASS teacher, delivering ATAR Economics and Agribusiness. In that time, he has embraced leadership opportunities with a focus on data-informed teaching, professional learning and student voice.

As Head of Oratory Arts, Charles oversees the School’s debating, public speaking and mock trial programs. In 2023, Guildford Grammar celebrated its most successful debating season in history, taking out the Western Australian Debating League Senior Champion title and representing WA at the National Schools’ Debating Competition.

But for Charles, the true reward lies beyond the accolades.

“It is deeply rewarding to know I’ve played a part in helping students advocate for themselves, their families and their communities,” he says. “Their enthusiasm reminds me daily of the powerful role we play as educators.”

A teacher who continues to learn

While his achievements are significant, Charles is quick to acknowledge the culture of support that has helped him grow.

“Guildford Grammar School has played a pivotal role in helping me reach this milestone,” he says. “I am enormously thankful for the strong leadership of my visionary Head of Learning, Leah Truscott, whose guidance has continually inspired me to strive for excellence and to see every moment in the classroom as a joyful opportunity to ignite curiosity in students.”

He credits the freedom to explore ideas and engage deeply with data as key to his development as a research-informed teacher. He also points to the School’s commitment to professional learning and its support of his postgraduate studies.

“Guildford Grammar School’s unwavering generosity and encouragement have supported my journey as a lifelong learner,” he adds, “empowering me to pursue exceptional professional development opportunities that are truly second to none.”

Supported by a community that believes in him

Charles’s reflections are filled with warmth and gratitude. For the students and families who place their trust in him, and for the mentors who have guided him along the way.

“From a kind email to an off-hand comment, a small bit of kindness has continued to fuel my journey and remind me of the impact of education,” he says. “Learning is never a smooth ride, and their patience and support has allowed me to grow alongside the students.”

He also credits his mentor Anna Ritzema for her professional counsel as he navigates what he calls “a complicated profession that is brimming with opportunities just under the surface.”

Recognising impact in education

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