INSPIRATION IN EDUCATION

Adam is an advocate for Indigenous Australians, a symbol of resilience and optimism and an inspirational role model who works to create a better Australia for all.Adam is an adnyamathanha man, known for his leadership within the Indigenous community. In 2009, Adam set up The Goodes-O'Loughlin...

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 25 years of experience, she is a recognized expert on AI in education, serving as an...

Mark draws on his extensive scientific background to work with organisations to develop evidence-based practices using neuroscience to improve productivity, innovation and mental health. He regularly run programs on the neuroscience of learning, the neuroscience of emotions, neuroscience of...

Nicky Sloss has more than 20 years of experience working as an education specialist, supporting schools both in Australia and overseas. She is experienced in project management, having worked on statewide initiatives and government-funded projects with links to student safety, mental health, and...

Professor Kevin Ashford-Rowe is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) at Queensland University of Technology where is also the institutional lead for the digital transformation of the University’s teaching and learning experience. He leads the University’s Learning and Teaching Unit. Kevin...

Kellie Britnell has over 15 years’ experience working in the online safety space and leads a talented team supporting eSafety’s awareness and capability initiatives. Prior to eSafety, Kellie taught in a number of schools both in Australia and overseas. In her time at eSafety, Kellie has developed...

Kate Carruthers is a distinguished leader in data analytics, AI, data governance, and cyber security with extensive experience across higher education, large enterprises, startups, and boards. Her career highlights include establishing innovative data governance and business intelligence functions...

Kane Bradford leads teaching and learning at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School as the Head – Professional Practice, Innovation and Partnerships. As part of the School Executive team, Kane drives a particular focus on harnessing strategic partnerships to the benefit of staff, students and the...

Cherie Diaz is Executive Director, Education Innovation at Western Sydney University. Joining in 2022, she heads up the Postgraduate Transformation and Lifelong Learning initiatives focused on developing highly differentiated, sector-leading microcredentials and programs, with curriculum co-created ...

Greg Sawyer joined CAUDIT in January 2020 as Director, Cybersecurity Program and was appointed CAUDIT's Chief Executive Officer in April 2022. Greg has over 25 years’ experience in the Higher Education sector between the University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney. During that time he has held...

Andrew Hottes is the Chief Digital Information Officer at Cranbrook School, where he has led significant technological advancements, including achieving ISO 27001 certification—making Cranbrook a leader in information security within the education sector. With extensive experience in IT and...

Kerry Daud is an educator passionate about integrating emerging technologies in learning. With a Master's in Education specializing in Innovative Learning Design, she has transformed educational approaches as the Head of Faculty eLearning, Research, Technology & Design at St Margaret's...

James Humberstone is a teacher, composer-producer, researcher, and technologist who works at the University of Sydney, Sydney Conservatorium of Music as a Senior Lecturer in Music Education. His background in technology in music education was established through nearly a decade at Sibelius...

Dr Phil Cummins BA LLB (Syd) PhD (UNSW) FRSA FACEL FIML RAA Phil is Managing Partner at a School for tomorrow, Associate Professor of Education and Enterprise at Alphacrucis University College, Managing Director at CIRCLE - The Centre for Innovation, Research, Creativity and Leadership in...

Jenni has been a teacher with the South Australian Department for Education for over thirty years, spending most of her career working in disadvantaged schools. She is committed to providing access to education for all and has been implemental in establishing successful programs for disenfranchised ...

Matthew Esterman is founder and director at The Nect Word, a future shaping consultancy based in Sydney. He holds masters degrees from Macquarie University and the University of Sydney, and is the recipient of several awards including the Commbank Teaching Fellowship, the Paul Brock Medal from ACE...

Rebecca is the 2024 TeachX Excellence in Teaching award winner and has been involved in the EdTech space for over 15 years. She is an evidence-informed teacher and school leader with experience in integrating technology to support children with additional learning needs and to develop...

Matt Pitman is the Head of Senior School at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, a Catholic secondary school in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, and the author of The Connection Curriculum published by Amba Press. An experienced educational leader and a doctoral student...

Lance is a seasoned ICT Director with over a decade of experience transforming technology in the education sector. As the Director of ICT at Wyong Christian Community School in NSW, Australia, Lance leads strategic initiatives that integrate impactful digital solutions to enhance learning...

Melissa has always had a passion for wellbeing though out her working career. Believing that Wellbeing needs to be placed in the heart of education, this journey has enabled her to use this passion in building a strong portfolio. Currently, Melissa is the Assistant Principal, where she is taking...

As the National Programs Director, Development and Innovation at The MacKillop Institute, Chris assists to lead the knowledge sharing hub of MacKillop Family Services, a national organisation that works with some of the most vulnerable people, children, families, and communities in Australia. Chris ...

Michael O’Leary is the Assistant Director-General and Chief Information Officer in the Information and Technologies Branch of Queensland’s Department of Education. Michael provides strategic advice to the Director-General and statutory agencies on the best use of ICT for the department. Being in...

Selena is a data storyteller who is passionate about helping others sort through the numbers to tell the real stories and lead positive change. Drawing on her 16 years' teaching experience in Australia and the UK, she has developed resources to promote data storytelling in schools, including an ...

Manisha Gazula started her teaching career in 2004 as a casual teacher in some of the tough and complex schools in NSW. When she first took on a role as a relieving principal, she took it upon herself to find a way to raise the learning outcomes of the most vulnerable students in NSW. Manisha has...

Joe is a passionate and innovative educator with Pastoral, Wellbeing and Academic leadership experience in both Australia and abroad. As the Deputy Principal – Wellbeing (P-12) he leads the implementation of Positive Education and Pastoral Care experiences across The Yellow Cottage Preschool...

Aisha Kristiansen is a dynamic educational leader and global speaker, recognised for her innovative approaches to embedding design thinking and leading digital transformation in schools. With a career spanning 20 years across Australia, Asia and Europe, she has spearheaded impactful initiatives...

Jason has been teaching in Independent schools since 1994. He is an Adobe Education Leader, Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Minecraft Global Mentor, and regional esports coordinator. Jason presents regularly on the effective integration of Microsoft 365 software in education, leveraging...

Kimberley Law is a prominent Digital Learning Specialist and High School Teacher at the International Grammar School (IGS) in Ultimo. With a background in start-ups, she is passionate about integrating technology into her lessons to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Since...

Justin is an inclusive education expert with over 17 years’ of experience as a teacher and leader in both mainstream and specialist schools, including as a a foundational leader and Principal at MacKillop Education Schools. Recently recognised as one of Australia's Most Inflential Educators by...

Catherine Lockhart is Principal of Kardinia International College in Geelong, Victoria. Prior to Kardinia she held leadership roles at schools in Adelaide, Dubai, and Sydney. Catherine Lockhart has been teaching for over 30 years and is a passionate and innovative educator.  Developing great...

Jonno is the Co-Founder of Clarity Group Global. He is the author of Step Up or Step Out (how to manage difficult employees) which has sold more than 10,000 copies worldwide and he hosts The Leadership Conversations with Jonno White Podcast with listeners in 150 countries and more than 230...

Mary McEvilly Butler is an innovative educator dedicated to enriching and enhancing learning through the thoughtful integration of technology. With a wealth of teaching and leadership experience across three continents, she currently teaches Science and Technology at St Finbarr’s in Byron...

A highly successful, demonstrably effective, results driven IT Executive Leader with over 20 years’ experience in the Education sector.   With extensive experience effectively leading large, geographically dispersed teams in the successful delivery of large scale, multi-million-dollar ICT...

Alix Rogerson is a Visual Arts educator and gallery curator, with a focus on creating opportunities for engagement within the Visual Arts with both students and the broader community. Through the gallery program, artist outreach and community art workshops Alix has provided platforms to promote...

Ronnelle has been an early childhood and primary classroom teacher in both State and Independent School settings and is currently the EAL/D Coordinator at St John's Anglican College. Language is her passion, with a key focus on the learning journey of children’s oracy skills and the strong...

I’m an upper primary school teacher who loves to make a difference in people’s lives. I do this by creating seriously fun learning environments backed by respect, pedagogy and data. I am creative and committed to finding connections with my students. I have a passion for STEM and creative...

Eva Spata is a passionate advocate for the Creative & Performing Arts within schools and beyond. She is the CSNSW representative for the National Arts Committee for ACARA, a member of the cross-sectoral CaPA representative group, and chair of the inter-diocesan CaPA working group. She has...

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

Deb Wilson After many years teaching Preparatory level (first year of schooling in Queensland), Deb Wilson has recently returned to the prior to school setting as a Kindergarten teacher.  During her career, she has been a classroom teacher, music teacher and Music Co-ordinator in the...

Karen Wood – Educational Leader, Wellbeing Advocate, and International Presenter Karen Wood has been a Principal Class member with the Department of Education for 17 years and an educator for 32 years. She is a passionate advocate for placing student wellbeing at the centre of education, with a...

Professor Simon McIntyre is the Director of Educational Innovation at UNSW Sydney and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA). Simon’s work over the years has focused on driving data-informed, personalised learning strategies and pedagogy led innovation of digital technologies to ...

With over two decades of dedicated experience in non-teaching roles within the education sector, Christine Gall has established herself as a passionate advocate for the growth and development of non-teaching staff. Throughout her extensive career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to...

Kellie Kremmer has been a passionate educator in a variety of learning settings for over 28 years and has worked with the most gifted and talented students to our most vulnerable. She is currently working for the Queensland Education Department developing consistency of practice guidelines. Her...

Noelene Callaghan is a distinguished leader in the field of educational technology and pedagogy, renowned for her innovative approach to integrating cutting-edge technologies into teaching programs. With over 20 years of experience in New South Wales schools, both primary and secondary, Noelene has ...

I am passionate about shaping and changing the future through education. I work closely with many young people across NSW, working specifically with regional and rural schools to develop student leadership programs, wellbeing strategies and physical activity interventions.I look forward to...

Vince is a highly experienced educator and AI innovator, serving as the AI for Teaching and Learning Project Leader at All Hallows’ School, Brisbane. With nearly 40 years in education, Vince combines decades of classroom expertise with cutting-edge insights into emergent technologies. He...

I am a passionate educator dedicated to enhancing the learner experience through technology. With the rapid innovations in the generative AI space, I am fascinated by the potential for engaging hybrid delivery methods that ignite a passion for learning. In my current role as a Senior Education...

Nadia brings over a decade of experience as an educator and leader in tertiary education, including five years dedicated to academic integrity. She is passionate about transforming fear-driven narratives around academic integrity into a positive, student-centred, and restorative justice...

Dr Abhinanda Barman is currently spearheading functions as the Director, University Communications and Strategic Alliances, of University of Stirling, UAE.She worked as the Academic Dean in Business Schools of South Africa for a decade. She is an accomplished Executive Leader possessing 22 years of ...

Dr Keith Heggart is an early career researcher with a focus on learning and instructional design, educational technology and civics and citizenship education. He is currently exploring the way that online learning platforms can assist in the formation of active citizenship amongst Australian...

Danny is a molecular biologist by training, programmer by night, researcher and academic developer by day, and educator at heart. A multiple international and national teaching award winner, he works at the confluence of artificial intelligence, learning analytics, student engagement, educational...

Anna is one of the original writers of the Australian Curriculum, Digital Technologies.  She is an experienced educator and curriculum leader with 40 years’ experience working in diverse roles within local and national education systems including state and catholic sectors.  Anna has been...

Suzie Matthews is the Executive Director of Skills and Workforce Programs at the NSW Department of Education. With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years in senior leadership roles, Suzie has made significant contributions across various sectors including workforce attraction and...

As Deputy Director-General for First Nations Strategy and Partnerships, Phillip is responsible for improving education outcomes for Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students. Partnering with Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, the division provides...

  I am an Arrente woman from the Alice Springs Tilmouth/Miller family. born and raised in Port Augusta and residing in Adelaide for the past 28 years, have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren.   For the past 29 years I have been working in the areas of Aboriginal employment and training across...

I am a mathematics educator, speaker, and instructional coach with years of experience teaching students in Years 7 to 12 in Victoria. I live and work on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation and pay my respects to their Elders—past, present, and emerging. I am...

Daniel Edwards is the founding CEO of GreenSTEM Education, a charity committed to breaking down barriers to STEM engagement and providing young people with equitable access to excellence in STEM education. He is also a STEM teacher at Montello Primary School, where he leads one of Tasmania’s most...

Leigh is an experienced executive leader, currently Information and Technology Executive at Brisbane Catholic Education, overseeing all digital, information and IT infrastructure for 146 schools and 9 offices, as well as providing multiple systems and support for another 30 schools in Cairns’s...