"As a recipient of the Star Teacher Award from the Einstein-First Project,” Perth based Tanyushka Fitter was recognized for her "outstanding commitment to inspiring young minds in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and successful implementation of the modernized Einsteinian physics curriculum,” as noted a communication from Johanna Stalley, Einstein-First and Quantum Girls project coordinator.
Among the nearly 40 teachers from the primary and secondary schools in Western Australia to be conferred the Award at a Women in STEM event in June 2024, the citation read, "Your dedication to enhancing STEM education, particularly through the innovative and engaging methods you’ve employed in teaching physical sciences, has significantly impacted your students. Your efforts have increased their understanding of complex scientific concepts and inspired many to pursue further studies and careers in STEM fields. The Star Teacher Award is a testament to your hard work, creativity and passion for education. Your ability to bring the wonders of modern physics into the classroom and make them accessible and exciting for all students is commendable.”
Teaching grades seven to 12 since 2015, Fitter told Parsiana that she "took the opportunity to do some professional learning when approached and then followed through.” In a feature on ABC (American Broadcasting Company) News (abc.net.au), Fitter mentioned that "people working on this project… are ready to support you and provide you with whatever materials you need to do that learning yourself. It’s very challenging but it’s rewarding, and it makes you give a better education to your students.”
Top, r: Tanyushka Fitter; above: learning modern Einsteinian physics
In a television interview with ABC News, the 34-year-old teacher at Mount Lawley Senior High School in Perth specified that currently under the school curriculum, students are taught classical Newtonian physics but under the Einstein-First Project they learn modern physics and the application of science concepts to their daily lives which is captivating for both girls and boys. She was also motivated to sign up for other programs like the one on the Creative Habits of Mind.
Born in Bombay, Fitter migrated to Australia in 1998 when she was eight years. She has been associated with the Zoroastrian Association of Western Australia since her childhood, participating in the annual shows; later co-hosting an annual quiz night. With her keen and perceptive mind she ensures that when praying she also reads "the English translation so that I can understand the meaning of the prayers and can decide which prayers to pray and when. I genuinely enjoy studying our history and our prayers and like to come to my own individual decisions on what beliefs to accept and how I should live my life according to Zoroastrian principles.” Some of her learning comes from the seniors in the family, she acknowledges: Zarin Jamasji, "super-senior citizen and best grandmother;” her late grandfather Sq Ldr Parvez Jamasji (Retd) who had received the Veer Chakra Medal; mother Anahita Fitter, "home organizer par excellence who believes that ‘every job is a self portrait and one must aways autograph one’s work with quality;’” father Khurshed Fitter, master mariner who advocated, "one should care more than it is wise and risk more than others think it safe;” brother Hanosh Fitter who uses his knowledge of information technology and data analysis working in a government department in the field of Human Resource Management; and husband Lachlan Pitt who is a marine surveyor.
The young liberal appreciates that her religion gives her the choice to lead a life according to the principles she values and that others’ views on her individual practice of the religion neither impacts her faith nor her identity.