Mr Godson was named the recipient of a 2021 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards on March 19.

He has been recognised for integrating his knowledgeable life-experience as a marine scientist into the classroom, inspiring students to explore their passion and revitalising NSW's Marine Studies curriculum in Port Macquarie's marine-focused industries.

Armed with the Teaching Fellowship, Mr Godson will be equipped to fund his students' underwater robotics ambitions, run excursions that support low socio-economic students to education experiences at Lady Elliott Island, and continue inspiring the next generation of Australians to care for the marine environment.

"I'm constantly inspired by my own encounters with career-change teachers in my own life and their ability to provide unique and amazing opportunities for students," Mr Godson said.

"Until you see Australia's natural environment, experience it, and fall in love with it you're less inclined to want to do something about it.

"I'm excited to encourage our students' environmental passion and open their eyes to the many marine science opportunities right here in Port Macquarie. From building boats and underwater robots, supporting single-use plastic elimination projects, and facilitating a recycling centre, our student body is building its own environmental awareness and activism that I'm here to support."

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Priscilla Brown, group executive, Commonwealth Bank, said the unique challenges of the past year have highlighted the invaluable role teachers play in local communities, families and in our children's lives.

"Teachers across the country, and the world, had to quickly adapt their teaching styles, embrace new technologies, and change the way they connected with students to ensure their education could continue," Ms Brown said.

"It has been even more remarkable to see how this year's award recipients still found unique ways to engage their students even in the midst of a global pandemic.

"These inspiring teachers continued to innovate and transform the way they taught their students while making significant improvements to their learning experiences in everything from robotics, to community based learning and job readiness. I would like to congratulate this year's recipients on their fabulous achievements."

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The annual Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards, in partnership with the national charity Schools Plus, celebrate and reward educators with the aim of inspiring excellent practice in schools across Australia, focusing on helping to address the education gap in areas of disadvantage around the country.

Rosemary Conn, Chief Executive Officer, Schools Plus, said: "The impact of a great teacher can be life-changing, and is undoubtedly one of the biggest factors that helps children succeed at school. We are delighted to be welcoming yet another cohort of talented teachers to our expanding network of Teaching Fellows, who epitomise the work that we do here at Schools Plus, and are transforming the future for their students."

During a live national webcast ceremony today, each recipient will receive a $45,000 fellowship including $25,000 to rollout a strategic project in their school, $10,000 towards professional development and a group study tour to high performing schools.