Karen Wood | Principal- Department of Education Victoria
Movelle Primary School

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 proven track record of reshaping learning environments, enhancing teacher dispositions and revitalizing schools. Karen’s leadership is internationally recognised. Karen has presented at the International Learning Conference in Chicago, Illinois where she delivered the session “Sage on Stage is Now Guide on the Side” Her work emphasises creating learning spaces and teaching approaches that are wellbeing focussed and designed to enrich student potential. Karen holds a Master's degree in Inclusion and Diversity and has worked as a Teaching Fellow for the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE). She has been sought after to collaborate with schools locally and beyond to stimulate and enrich the learning and wellbeing of students and to empower future educators. Karen, alongside Melissa Elphinstone, presented at the International PBIS Rewards Conference to over 800 educators worldwide. Despite leading during Melbourne's extended lockdowns, they highlighted the critical importance of embedding wellbeing at the heart of education. Karen’s commitment to School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) has been a cornerstone of her leadership. She has received SWPBS awards in recognition of her school's success in implementing positive behaviour strategies. Karen represented the Department of Education at the SWPBS Conference in Cairns in 2024 Karen further showcased her expertise by co-presenting “Real School Life Experience” alongside Dr. Terry Scott at the Victorian Academy of Teaching. This presentation provided valuable insights into student behaviour and highlighted practical approaches to improving wellbeing and learning outcomes in diverse educational settings. Most recently, Karen has contributed to a Virtual Study Tour, further expanding her influence in the well-being space by showcasing how schools can prioritise student and staff wellbeing to drive academic and social success.