When we look back on the educators who impacted us as students, we often think of the men and women who, rather than knowing their craft, inspired us beyond the classrooms.

The best educators in Australia are recognised annually in the Most Influential Educators List by The Educator.

Educators and other professionals who delivered specific outcomes that significantly influenced the Australian education industry in the past twelve months have been selected for the awards.

These include education leaders, founders and administrators of a school or programs; change-makers who have impacted students and the school community and educators who have demonstrated innovation and creativity that is driving the education industry forward.

This year, Gordon's own Ravenswood School for Girls Principal, Anne Johnstone, has been selected among the country's most influential educators.

Principal since 2016, Anne Johnstone's resume highlights a career dedicated to standing out in the field of education.

In 2022, she was awarded the Phyllis Evans Medal by the Teachers' Guild of NSW, acknowledging a "distinguished educator of great standing" and chair of the Leadership Centre Council for the Association of Independent Schools of NSW for 2023.

In addition, Johnstone is vice chair of the International Positive Education Network and chair and founding board member of the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA).

"I have strived to lead PESA with a vision of well-being science and positive psychology being integrated throughout the education system, enabling all students, schools and the wider community to flourish," she says.

"Importantly, it is about fostering an understanding that learning and wellbeing are inextricably linked."

Johnstone has created an environment where staff and students combine effectively.

"It's about enabling other people to fulfil their potential and flourish, and you get the best out of people by being humble about it and saying, 'You know what, we're all on a learning journey together," she says.

“I love working with our students, staff and families. It is a privilege to help make a positive impact through education, and I feel so very blessed to have had such a meaningful and fulfilling career thus far. We can never underestimate the impact that a school has on young people’s lives,” - Anne Johnstone.

Anne Johnstone has built an environment based entirely on positive education, where students and staff collectively grow. Her recognition among the Most Influential Educators 2023 List is one of fantastic achievement, acknowledging hard work and innovation.