Published 19 November 2025
Cally Nielsen Educator of the Year Award
Now in their fifth year, the Future Anything Educator Awards honour the educators who not only delivered the Activate program in their classrooms but lived it, embodying creativity, courage, and an enterprising spirit in their teaching.
The awards are announced annually at the high-profile Future Anything National Grand Final, with hundreds of nominations received each year from teachers and students from around the country.
In 2025, Future Anything announced the prestigious Educator of the Year award would be renamed in honour of Cally Nielsen, an inspirational educator and dear friend.
Nicole Dyson, Founder & CEO of Future Anything said “Years back, when I was looking to start Future Anything, I was surround by a group of brave, innovative educators who inspired me to step out of the classroom and do the work that I do now. One of the most important of those individuals was Cally Neilsen.”
Nic added “Cally was one of the most inspirational educators I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing, not only in the educational context, but also as a friend. Cally was a bold, courageous science educator, who stretched the edges of what is possible in curriculum. She was constantly asking “What else can we do?”. I’m so proud to honour Cally by renaming our Educator of the Year award The Cally Nielsen Educator of the Year Award.”
Cally Neilsen talks about driving change in education.
Cally’s husband, Andy Nielsen said “Cally had a huge passion and an unwavering drive for education that was evident to everyone she worked with. Her commitment was more than just dedication. It was contagious, always inspiring colleagues to think outside the box and create something truly special.”
Andy continued “This year, Cally succumbed to kidney cancer after a courageous two year battle. I’m certain, were it not for her illness, her unwavering vision would have continued to inspire and enact positive change in education at the highest national levels.”
He finished “This is why it is so special for Cally’s family–for her children Summer and Jasper, and for me too–to see her vision carried forward into the future of education. The Future Anything Educator of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade, and we are honoured to have it bear Cally’s name.”
The winner of the inaugural Cally Nielsen Educator of the Year award was Alexia Little (Cardijn College, SA), who was presented with the award at the Future Anything National Grand Final 2025. Read more about the Future Anything Educator Awards 2025 here.
