Loretta Leary

An experienced teacher of over 20 years, Loretta is skilled in Sustainability Education, classroom management, curriculum development and student led, hands on, differentiated instruction.

Winner of the 2016 Sir John Monash Award for Sustainability Leadership, the 2017/18 ResourceSmart Schools Primary Teacher of the Year, the 2019 Environment Education Victoria Teacher of the Year, the 2020 and 2021 Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) Teacher of the Year, and a Kids Teaching Kids Education Ambassador, Ms Leary has consistently demonstrated excellence in environmental education. Under her leadership, Mount Waverley Primary School was named Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart School of the Year in 2020.

Ms Leary is also a two-time finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards (2020 and 2023) and a proud member of both the Australian Association for Environmental Education and the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Her work is closely associated with leading environmental organisations including Earthwatch Institute Australia, Sustainability Victoria, and Environment Education Victoria.

Passionate about the planet, animal welfare, environmental sustainability and education, Loretta is manager of all of our education programs, with a view to continue inspiring future environmental leaders.