The assistant vice principal of Launceston College was named Best ICT/STEM Teacher at Friday’s TasICT Awards for Excellence.

Mr Gleeson, who began teaching in 2001, teaches STEM – which combines the arts with science, technology, engineering and maths. 

At Launceston College, Mr Gleeson and his team have focused on teaching interdisciplinary learning and collaborative problem-solving skills in life. 

But the justification for his TasICT award was the creation of the hub at Launceston College focussed on innovation, technology and engagement.

Judges recognised the creation of the space which “provides hands-on and inspirational opportunities for young Tasmanians”.

It includes a virtual reality room, 3D printers, drone workshops and more.

But Mr Gleeson was a reluctant recipient of recognition for his work.

He said there was a hub of teachers “who had more interaction with students”.

“Being the so-called, Best ICT/STEM Teacher in the state is really not accurate because there’s a lot of great teachers doing great things in this space,” he said.  

Mr Gleeson has been teaching for about 17 years.

He began as a science and maths teacher at Campbell Town where he taught for six years.

He then moved to Cressy and the TasICT judges noted Mr Gleeson focused on science and encouraging students to study STEM long before it became a buzz word.