INSPIRATION IN EDUCATION

Andy is Visiting Professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada and Research Professor at Boston College in the US. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Education, former President of the International Congress of School Effectiveness and Improvement (2018-2020), former...

Rose Luckin is an internationally respected academic and influential communicator across multiple stakeholders about the future of education and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 30 years of experience, she is a recognised expert on AI in education, serving as an...

Jason is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and MacArthur Fellow, honored with numerous awards including the Newbery, Printz, Coretta Scott King, NAACP Image, and Kirkus Awards. He served as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature from 2020–2022 and is a two-time National Book...

Dr. Sarah McKay is a neuroscientist and science communicator, adept at making brain science accessible for enhancing health, wellbeing and performance. An Oxford University graduate, Sarah earned her MSc and DPhil (PhD) in neuroscience before moving to Australia, where she conducted postdoctoral...

Jason Lodge is a Professor of Educational Psychology and Director of the Learning, Instruction, and Technology Lab in the School of Education at The University of Queensland, Australia. His work explores the cognitive and emotional mechanisms of learning with digital technologies, addressing...

erry Daud is a visionary educator transforming learning through digital innovation at St Margaret's Anglican Girls School in Brisbane. With a Master's in Education focused on Innovative Learning Design, Kerry has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives including the phenomenally successful...

John Cleary is an experienced former principal and system executive, leading school and system improvement reform in the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Education, Australia. His experience as an educator stretches from Manchester and London (UK) to some of the most remote schools in the...

Mona Sidhu is a dedicated Cyber Education and Awareness Manager at the NSW Department of Education, with a passion for promoting cyber security and online safety awareness among students, teachers, and parents and carers. With a background in education and technology, Mona has a deep understanding...

Danny is a molecular biologist by training, programmer by night, researcher and faculty developer by day, and educator at heart. A multiple international and national teaching award winner, he is Professor of Educational Technologies at the University of Sydney where he co-chairs the...

With a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a Master and Ph.D. in the area of Computer Science, I am a researcher and educator in the field of computer science and IT in the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), at Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) in...

Holly's diverse teaching career reflects all her passions – education, service, physical activity, celebration, fun, and critical thinking. As Deputy Principal, Learning & Teaching at Queen Margaret College in Wellington, New Zealand, she is a dynamic leader who empowers young people to be...

Associate Professor Mark A. Bassett is the Director of Academic Quality, Standards and Integrity, and Academic Lead (Artificial Intelligence) at Charles Sturt University.His extensive international experience includes serving as Academic Director, Education Partnerships at SAE Global, where he...

Georgina is a highly accomplished leader with a 25-year career spanning diverse sectors such as Telecommunications, Media, Finance, and Education. Currently serving as the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Ascham School, she is a key member of the executive...

A passionate advocate for teachers and school leaders, Adam Voigt is an education leader and expert on building healthy school cultures, education leadership and restorative practices. Adam’s work as a School Principal in some of Australia’s toughest locations underpins every element of his...

Kelly is the Lead Education AI Consultant at Oxford's AI Competency Centre. Her academic background is in linguistics and she holds degrees from the University of Western Australia and the University of Melbourne. She is a DIPTesol-qualified English teacher and before joining Oxford she taught...

Verity Harvey works in a P-12 Independent School and has over 20 years experience leading within the inclusion and disability space. Verity is highly passionate about embodying changes and modifications in content, teaching methods, pedagogies, structures and strategies in education to promote...

Chris is a father and children’s entertainer who loves performing live music in bands. He studied science and worked in a laboratory as a quality control chemist before deciding to pursue a career in education. Chris has been teaching in public schools for over fifteen years and enjoys using...

Andrea Therèsé van den Bol Currently sits as Deputy Principal K-12 at Northholm Grammar School in Sydney, NSW. She is a highly accomplished educational leader with extensive expertise spanning the Performing Arts, Pastoral Care, Character Education, Student Leadership, Curriculum Design, and...

After decades in the corpoarte arena, Andrew has spent the last 7 years in the education sector. Under his direction Cranbrook became the first K-12 institution in Australia to achieve ISO 27001 certification and is now mapping ISO 42001 controls to classroom realities while mentoring education...

Dr Geri Harris is Programme Director for Business Undergraduate Studies, a senior lecturer in information systems, and Auckland University of Technology's 'Educator of the Year 2025'. With a PhD in Information Systems and a background in business process consulting, Geri bridges...

A digital transformation leader and Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, James specialises in integrating technology to enhance educational practices. Currently leading digital transformation initiatives at Canterbury College, he develops strategies that build future-ready competencies and support ...

Lesley is a lecturer in Science and Technology for the Master of Teaching program at Western Sydney University. Lesley's passion is in creating engaging science and technology lessons for all learners. Her focus on inquiry learning allows pre-service teachers to develop their own skills and...

Over the past 11 years as principal of Plumpton High School, Tim and his team have successfully transformed Plumpton into a school that is recognised for its focus on building intellectual capacity, technology implementation, developing student leadership, agency and voice, wellbeing and commitment ...

Syeda Farzana Shapna #DataEnthusiast #PassionateDataProfessional # Mother # CakeMaster Born in Bangladesh and raised in Saudi Arabia, Syeda migrated to Australia in 2011. With a master’s in computer science, Syeda has had a rich and diverse career in Information Technology spanning nearly two...

With nearly 30 years of experience in the education sector, Andrew has cultivated a diverse skill set and a proven track record of success across a range of roles. He began his career as a dedicated teacher before transitioning into outdoor education, where he honed his leadership, teamwork, and...

Julie Taylor is a passionate instructional designer and dynamic facilitator with a diverse background in education and retail. With formal qualifications in Exercise Science and Training Design and Development, she brings a unique blend of performance, pedagogy, and practical design to every...

Carmel McGee is an experienced Advanced Skills Teacher and school leader at Riverside Primary in Tasmania. She is passionate about designing learning that grows students’ capacity to think critically, act creatively, and contribute meaningfully - capabilities that matter more than ever in a rapidly ...

Julian Ridden serves as Head of AI at The Anglican Schools Corporation, spearheading transformative AI strategy across a network of 20,000+ students. A passionate educator turned edtech leader, Julian is a sought-after speaker renowned for demystifying AI with clarity, wit, and actionable wisdom. ...

Alice Vigors is a dedicated and passionate educator, author and speaker.  In 2022, she published her first book with Amba Press; The Thinking Classroom: supporting educators to embed critical and creative thinking. A book loved by educators globally. She has taught in a range of K-6 school settings ...

Alexis Hill is a visionary Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a proven track record of leveraging technology to enhance educational experiences. Currently serving as the CIO at Brisbane Grammar School, Alexis is at the forefront of driving digital transformation and innovation in education. ...

As a STEAM teacher and leader, Tim Gee is passionate about empowering students to become creative and confident problem solvers. With a deep belief in the power of play-based learning, he specialises in designing hands-on, engaging STEAM projects that connect non-digital skills to digital...

Samantha Jackson is a CEO of Leadership Development at the NSW Department of Educations School Leadership Institute. She has previously held Director, Principal and senior executive roles in NSW public schools. Samantha is a  transformational leader with extensive experience in building high...

For over a decade, I've worked across primary, secondary and inclusive education settings-supporting students with complex needs, leading wellbeing initiatives and mentoring educators and school leaders. That journey has taken me through mainstream classrooms, specialist behaviour support...

Dr Nattalia Godbold works as the Research Lead at The Lakes College. She is an experienced educator and researcher, working across higher education institutions and Queensland schools. Her research explores the contemporary complexities of teacher professional learning, student partnership, and...

Jason Lane is a passionate and curious education leader, currently serving as Director of E‑Learning at Villanova College (Qld). As a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Minecraft Global Mentor, Adobe Education Leader, and regional esports coordinator, Jason presents with authority on leveraging...

Professor Steven Wong is the Director for the Centre of Digital Enablement (CoDE), a department which oversees the overall digital competency development of the students and academic staff at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). Prof Wong is also currently leading SIT’s efforts in driving...

Bridget is a Pedagogical Coach and Senior English Teacher at Brisbane Grammar School. She previously served as Head of Senior School and Head of Academic Services, roles that deepened her commitment to education that empowers. Bridget was the first to lead a year-long innovation project on AI in...

Kari Sutton is an author, educator, and international speaker who is leading the charge in the Mental Fitness Revolution. With more than 30 years' experience in education, research and wellbeing, she has worked with over 200 schools, delivered more than 500 workshops and spoken at conferences...

Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Professional | Education Sector Specialist With more than 25 years in risk and compliance, including over a decade in the education sector, Renaye brings extensive expertise in regulatory, risk, and compliance management. Renaye is dedicated to designing and...

Jo Gray is Director of High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) at the NSW Department of Education, leading policy and initiatives that identify and develop high potential students across creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional domains. Previously, she was Director, Educational...

Rachel Byrne is a courageous and visionary educator and the principal of Hunter Sports High School, a semi selective public school in Newcastle, Australia. Under her leadership, Hunter Sports High School has become a national model for future focused schooling, winning Australian School of the Year ...

Bryce Ostini is a Junior School Teacher at Ascham School with a strong foundation in K-6 teaching and leading Indigenous Education initiatives. Passionate about empowering educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday practice, Bryce focuses on creating...

Jessy Shelley is a dedicated Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Berry Public School. She is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education that meets their individual needs. Jessy...

Andrew Draper is a dedicated and innovative educator with a passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. As a Senior School Science, Physics & Technology Teacher and Head of STEM Programs at Queenwood School, Andrew brings expertise and passion to his role. With...

Indiah is a passionate Digital Technology Teacher at Tumut Public School. With a deep understanding of the importance of integrating technology into the classroom, Indiah is dedicated to inspiring and empowering students to become digital creators and problem solvers. Indiah's teaching...

Kym is the Systems & Community Manager at Ed3 DAO, a global non-profit dedicated to upskilling 1 million educators on emerging technologies through research-backed pedagogies. With a background in communications and digital culture, Kym explores how decentralized technologies are reshaping...

Dr Abhinanda Barman is currently spearheading functions as the Director, University Relations and Strategic Alliances, of University of Stirling, UAE.She worked as the Academic Dean in Business Schools of South Africa for a decade.She was invited as a speaker in• The Global Sustainable Development...

Professor Ian Li is an economist and Director of Research and Policy at the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success. He specialises in health and labour economics, with current work focusing on various topics in higher education equity and policy, such as higher education access and...

Jenny Hanson works at the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies, the statutory body responsible for senior secondary curriculum, assessment and certification in the ACT. Her work with AI in education has focussed on the ethical and implementation challenges, particularly for senior secondary...

Andrew Moore’s career spans defence, education, superannuation, not-for-profits and Australian subsidiaries of internationally listed companies.  He is an experienced professional with expertise in strategic planning, executive leadership, ICT, corporate services, financial management and capital...

Leigh is an experienced executive leader, currently Education and Digital Excellence Executive at Brisbane Catholic Education, overseeing all digital, information, technology and Education Teams for 146 schools and 9 offices, as well as providing multiple systems and support for Cairns...

Aaron Johnston is a P-6 Deputy Principal working on Wonnarua Country. Aaron is in his 18th year of teaching and has worked in a variety of roles across all grades from Kindergarten-Year 6 including classroom teacher, learning & support teacher, wellbeing officer, Assistant Principal and...

From international student to global tech leader, Dr Susan Zhang has built a career spanning Google, ByteDance (TikTok), Amazon and Canva across the UK, China and Australia. Now Head of Creative and EdTech, Digital Trade for the British Government in Sydney, Susan is also a published author, TEDx...

Brett Duncan is an educator and esports leader dedicated to establishing scholastic esports as a respected and meaningful part of school life. As the Esports Program Coordinator and Teacher at Yarra Valley Grammar, he has built one of Australia’s most comprehensive school-based esports...

Joanne is a Lecturer in Curriculum and Pedagogy, School of Education and Tertiary Access, University of the Sunshine Coast. She describes herself as a Research Practitioner and is a strong advocate for flexible and research-based approaches, calling on her extensive experience of teaching in...

Damien Gainsford (Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri) is a visionary educator and leader, currently serving as the Principal of Pacific Gulgangali Jarjums Christian School. With a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments, Damien brings a wealth of experience in...

Bron Stuckey is a visionary educator and Director of Innovative Educational Ideas, dedicated to transforming the landscape of education through creativity, innovation and community. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Bron is a passionate advocate for student-centered learning, design...

Vince is an award winning and highly accomplished Australian History teacher with nearly 40 years of classroom experience. He has worked in a variety of leadership roles. He currently leads his school’s integration of AI into the teaching and learning process. He’s a published author with...

Anabella Gray is a dedicated and innovative Senior School Design and Technology Teacher at Queenwood School for Girls. With a passion for inspiring the next generation of creators and problem-solvers, Anabella brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. She is known for her dynamic...

Hannah Fenton is a dynamic and motivated educator dedicated to advancing STEM opportunities for girls. With a deep passion for coding, design, hands-on experimentation and cutting edge manufacturing, she inspires students to become real-world ready for future careers. Her commitment to...

David Collison is a Junior School Science Teacher at Barker College who’s passionate about sparking curiosity and creativity in young learners. With a background in science education and a love for hands-on, inquiry-based learning, David brings energy and imagination to every lesson. He’s known for ...

Lesley Woodhouse, a proud Boorooberonal Dharug woman, is the Founder and CEO of Wingaru Education, an Aboriginal-owned organisation dedicated to supporting schools and educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across teaching and learning. A proud advocate for culturally ...

Dr Hugh Gundlach is a lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of Education at The University of Melbourne. He teaches in the Master of Teaching (Secondary), as well as graduate research supervision.

With 25 years at Education Queensland spanning primary and secondary schools, regional leadership roles and 15 years as a school leader including principalships at a very large P-12 college and currently at Peregian Springs State School, I have built extensive expertise in pedagogy, literacy and...

Georgina Blix is the founder and director of Blix Architecture, a research-led design studio with a focus on design for wellbeing. Her studio has experience with school masterplans, school buildings, open space design, public art, aged care and housing. In particular this studio focuses on school...

Craig Nicholls is Head of Digital Learning at Lauriston Girls’ School in Melbourne, where he leads the strategic integration of technology across K–12. With nearly 30 years in education, Craig focuses on strengthening the digital literacy and capability of staff and students through innovative...

Ronnelle Sanders During her career, Ronnelle has been an Early Years teacher, a Primary Years teacher in both State and Independent sectors, and is currently the EAL/D Co-ordinator K-6. She has presented at many Local, National and International Conferences of Literacy and Early Education over the ...

Wiradjuri man Ben Bowen is the CEO of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). Ben is a proud Aboriginal man, a descendent of the Wiradjuri Nation with family links to the Gandangara, Dharrawal and Yuin Nations. He was born and raised on the Gadigal and Wangal lands of the Sydney basin. Ben has...

Deb Wilson is an experienced educator and current Kindergarten Coordinator at St John’s Anglican College. She has worked across both the Early and Primary Years as a kindergarten, classroom and music teacher, and as a Music Co-ordinator in the State, Independent and Tertiary sectors. Her...

Wendy Palmer is a global expert in microcredentials, short-form learning, and lifelong learning strategy, with over 30 years of experience across higher education, government, and industry. She leads Lifelong Learning Practice, an Australian consultancy focused on the design and implementation of...

Todd Nelson is a proud Dunghutti man with ancestral ties to the Yuin nation, raised on Awabakal/Wonnarua country connected to Mindarribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, and residing on Ngunnawal country. With more than 15 years of experience spanning the private, public, and not-for-profit...

Sandy Neisler is a passionate primary educator and robotics coach at Peregian Springs State School on the Sunshine Coast. His teams have repeatedly reached the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) National Championships, winning the national title in 2024 and again in 2025. These teams represented Australia at...

Jessica Brady is a high school student who grew up in Darwin and brings a lived experience of her education journey in the Top End. Her Mum is from Bali and her limited opportunity to access education as a young girl has shaped how Jess sees the importance of education and opportunity. Jess has...

Dr Nick Jackson has worked in education for 25 years across the US, UK, India, and Australia. He’s held leadership roles in universities and schools, and is currently Leader of Digital Technologies at Scotch College as well as the founder of Now Future Learning. He co-authored best selling books on ...

As the Founder and Chair of CWAA, Nick guides the committee coordinating the service delivery, membership strategy, forums and advisory groups. The establishment of this association stems from a passion of connecting stakeholders to improve resources students use in the classroom. Following a...

Jack, a proud Gomeroi/Gamillaroi man, has been reporting and presenting on BTN since 2016. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Creative Arts and Arts (majors in Performance and Indigenous Studies) from the University of Wollongong, he brings a rich blend of artistic and cultural knowledge to his...

Deb Belyea is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from the Samuawgadhalgal (Cassowary Clan), with her roots extending from the Top Western Islands of Saibai and Dauan, to the Cape York Community of Bamaga. Deb has been a classroom teacher for over 20 years, teaching in regional and remote...

Blake (Gumbaynggirr and Gomeroi/Gamilaraay) is a senior technology and transformation executive recognised for translating strategy into impact across higher education, government, and regulated industries. A trusted advisor to University Executives, Deputy Secretaries, and boards, Blake has led...

Bethany is a passionate educator and Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow with a Masters in Education. She supports P-12 schools to embed digital and AI-enhanced pedagogies that enhance student access, engagement and opportunity. With deep classroom expertise and a commitment to innovation, she...

Greg Sawyer joined CAUDIT in January 2020 as Director of the Cybersecurity Program and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in April 2022. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the Higher Education sector, having held a range of technical and leadership roles at both the University of...

Dr Dharshani Chandrasekara is a User Experience Researcher at the Australian Council for Educational Research. Her work focuses on enhancing the digital assessment experience for students and improving test administration and evaluation processes for educators through a human‑centred design...

Matt Esterman has over 20 years working in schools and beyond as a leading voice in the thoughtful adoption of technology. He is a trained History teacher with two masters degrees, who has made a significant contribution to professional learning in Australia and overseas. He has been recognised...

Kerrie Quee is a Nationally accredited Highly Accomplished Teacher (HALT) with 41 years of experience as a primary teacher, working across diverse educational settings. She currently works as an EAL/D Education Leader (K–12) with the NSW Department of Education, providing strategic leadership to...

Bo Stjerne s leading the global impact, curriculum, and experience design team. He was previously the Vice‐President, Chair of Learning through Play and the Global Head of Research, part of the executive leadership team in the LEGO Foundation, leading the international research, education, and...

Natalie Turmine is the CEO of Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), one of the Federally funded Jobs and Skills Councils. She leads national skills and workforce planning for the Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors. Natalie is a highly accomplished executive...

Anwar began his career as a scientific programmer before founding Martian Logic in 2003. Under his leadership, the product evolved from a job multi-posting tool into a comprehensive Recruitment & Onboarding platform, and eventually into a full-fledged HR system. Anwar is passionate about...

Serryn O’Regan is CEO of Equinim College (T/As EQC Institute).   Serryn has a 30+ year history in business and law. Serryn has worked in education since 1999.   Serryn is Deputy Chair (Skills) of the Board of ITECA, and chair of the Governance Committee. Serryn is a Board member of NCVER. She...

Chloe Read has been Managing Director of TAFE NSW since January of 2025. With over 20 years of experience in public sector education, Chloe holds expertise in public policy, strategy, intergovernmental relations, program management and IT. Most recently, she served for five years as Deputy...

Dr Nigel Palmer works at the intersection of education and industry through his role as Senior Policy Manager for skills and education with Business NSW. Nigel has 20 years’ experience in tertiary education policy, research education and program development. Nigel holds a PhD from the Australian...

Lisa is a Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) specialising in assessment and reporting in foundational skills. She works across curriculum areas focusing primarily on content in mathematics, digital technology and innovation. Lisa's core work is in test...

Robert Dodds is Head of Data Analytics and Systems Methodist Ladies’ College, Western Australia, where he also coordinates and teaches Digital Technologies. He leads the innovative school‑wide use of data, digital platforms, AI, and other technologies to strengthen pedagogy, inform decision...

Soya Thippawal is a passionate music teacher at St. Gabriel's School, known for her dedication to inclusive and innovative education. With a background in music education, she develops creative teaching approaches that empower students with diverse learning needs to express themselves through...

David Reeve is an experienced, customer focussed CIO and leader who thrives on business transformation. David has over twenty years of experience gained across a wide spectrum of industries including Retail, Financial Services, Education, Defence and Aviation. His career has been defined by...

Appointed CEO of the Nyangatjatjara Aboriginal Corporation and Principal of Nyangatjatjara College  located near iconic Uluru. Working collaboratively and productively with Anangu communities and key stakeholders to build an inclusive vision education for 2 Way education from the Eraly Years to...

I’m not your typical education executive. My journey started in a backyard workshop, fixing trucks with my grandfather, and led me through a career as a Porsche race mechanic, scuba diver, and eventually a leader in vocational education. Every step has been shaped by one core belief: leadership is...