New national board appointment for Australian Council for Educational Leaders

Dr Kylie Lipscombe, a researcher from the University of Wollongong (UOW) has been elected as the New South Wales president of Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL), also joining the national board. 

Known in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector for its role as the largest professional association of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, ACEL supports the development of educational leadership capabilities across Australia through advocacy, conferences and workshops, research, leadership programs, publications, online resources, and a bookshop.

Dr Lipscombe said she was honoured by the opportunity to lead the NSW branch of ACEL, and to make a difference for leaders, educators, children and their families.

“Being elected as the NSW branch president and serving NSW educational leaders in NSW and nationally is a privilege,” she said. “I’m really motivated to do something that matters and makes a difference to all children and their families.”

Dr Lipscombe will take on the presidency from Ann McIntyre, who has held the position for the last six years, and who described her replacement as “a talented academic and professional leader”.

“Kylie is a highly insightful and respected educator who brings to this role a depth of professional expertise as a researcher, program presenter and advocate for our profession,” Ms McIntyre said.

“ACEL serves educators across all sectors and it is significant that Kylie brings to the national ACEL Board the voice of an excellent academic leader who has such a strong focus on building the capacity of the profession.”       

Dr Lipscombe is a senior lecturer and researcher in the School of Education at UOW. She is the Associate Academic Director of Educational Leadership and leads the design and delivery of the Master of Education (Educational Leadership) and Master of Education Advanced (Educational Leadership). She is also the academic leader of the NSW Department of Education Aspiring Principals Leadership program.

Her research focuses on leaders, teachers and children in the fields of educational leadership, middle leadership, teacher collaboration, and professional learning.

“Being able to combine my research and teaching in educational leadership at UOW with my role at ACEL will provide an important opportunity to merge research and practice in educational leadership, as well as help to continue to advocate for and establish partnerships between systems, leaders, educators and researchers,” Dr Lipscombe said.

Dr Lipscombe will formally take up the position of NSW branch president on 1 October 2020.