A Concord High School teacher has been recognised as one of the state's best, receiving a 2027 Premier's Teacher Scholarship for her work exploring how generative AI can support high potential and gifted students with ADHD.

Alice Leung, Head Teacher of Secondary Studies at Concord High School, was among 14 outstanding NSW teachers congratulated by Premier Chris Minns for their commitment to quality education, with nine of this year's recipients coming from public schools.

The Premier's Teacher Scholarship program provides each recipient with $15,000 to undertake a five-week study tour in 2027, allowing them to research and bring back new ideas to benefit students across the state. Since the program began in 1999, more than 570 teachers have used the opportunity to build their skills and expertise in a chosen field.

Ms Leung says her scholarship will focus on an area that sits at the intersection of two of her professional passions.

"I'm very excited. Learning how to further improve our teaching practices personally and as a profession are the two things I am very passionate about. Particularly in the space of high potential and gifted education and equity," Ms Leung said.

"My topic is on exploring how Generative AI can support high potential and gifted ADHD students. I've been using NSWEduChat to support all my students to develop organisational and time management skills, something that becomes critically important as they transition from primary to high school, and am looking forward to seeing how we can scale promising practices in this space."

Ms Leung said the scholarship reflected the broader dedication of public school teachers to giving every student a fair go.

"I think it signifies how teachers, particularly those in public schools, are committed to equity," she said.

"Enabling students to be the best versions of themselves, and supporting my colleagues to be the best versions of themselves. I also love the creativity that underlies teaching. Being able to design lessons and learning experiences that are specific to the students you are teaching right now so they can experience that spark of understanding is magical. I truly believe teaching is the best profession," she said.

Ms Leung said her research would have a direct impact on the students and colleagues she works with every day.

"The topic is important because this will help the students we teach every day, particularly in context of the department's HPGE policy. I am hoping my scholarship will allow me to contribute to sustainable talent development processes for high potential and gifted students with disabilities," she said.

As part of her study tour, Ms Leung will connect with department experts before travelling to see promising practice in action firsthand.

"I am planning to learn from the department's emerging technologies and HPGE teams. I will be travelling around Australia and to Canada to visit schools where promising practices are in place for generative AI. The goal is to develop resources and support materials for all teachers to use with their students," she said.

In 2024 Alice Leung was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools.