Mr Maslen was one of 10 across the state to be awarded an Early Career Teaching Award at last week’s 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards.
Among the others was Cobram Secondary College teacher George Allen.
The award prize is valued at $10,000 and includes a study tour of high performing schools in Australia, a leadership program and $5000 for professional development.
There were more than 500 nominees and applicants for the award, which recognises teachers in the first five years of their careers who are pioneering innovative learning initiatives that set students up for future success.
The award also aims to reward those teacher who empower children and young people across Australia to excel in their education journey, regardless of their background.
Mr Maslen teaches in Finley High’s Human Society and it’s Environment (HSIE) and Maths departments.
His citation highlighted his efforts in enhancing learning experiences in the school, which has 303 students.
“Through his endeavours and initiatives, Jack has inspired students to pursue studies and careers they might not otherwise have considered,” the citation read.
“Subjects that Jack teaches include Years 7 to 12 maths and Years 11 to 12 business studies and economics.
“To help spark interest in careers that involve advanced mathematics, Jack introduced a Year 10 extension class, which led to an increase in enrolments in advanced and extension maths in the senior years.
“He also reintroduced economics into the curriculum which is having a lasting impact with students who took this course now considering careers in finance/economics and two of his students being accepted into the UBS Young Women’s Leadership Academy in 2023.
“Jack fosters collaboration at his school through the Finley High School Collaboration Initiative and Quality Teaching Rounds, sharing knowledge from professional learning courses with his colleagues that are improving teaching practices across the school.
“His 2023 ‘opt-in’ collaboration program evolved into a school-wide initiative, promoting an open-door culture to enable better teaching quality for the benefit all students.
“Jack is well-respected within his school community and as the Year 6 to 7 transition coordinator. His efforts to ease school transitions have strengthened community ties and enriched student experiences.
“With aspirations to become a head teacher, Jack wants to further his professional development in curriculum, wellbeing, and leadership.”
The national awards were co-hosted by the Federal Education Minister Jason Clare at Parliament House in Canberra.
Attending the awards ceremony with Mr Maslen was Finley High School principal Jeff Ward.
Also awarded on the night were 12 Teaching Fellows.
The awards ceremony was presented by Schools Plus - a not-for-profit organisation supporting students in opportunities to thrive at and after school.
The agency was founded following a recommendation in the first Gonski Review, which identified a need for philanthropic funding in schools to help close the education gap caused by disadvantage.
