The Educational Leader Conference 2023 – Connecting Practice to Theory: Finding Ideals and Ideas of Possibility
The role of educational leadership focuses on curriculum and pedagogy rather than on management and administration. It has been argued that educational leadership is, in effect, leadership for learning (NZCA, 2013). This inspiring conference, now in its fifth year, is unique. We promise you a day of engagement and provocation – our purpose is to support those individuals in the role of educational leader. Join a stellar lineup of speakers who will assist and guide you to consider ways of transforming the educational practices at your site towards improved quality outcomes.
The presenters:
ADAM CHRISTIE is a passionate early childhood teacher completing his degree in Early Children Education at Flinders University, South Australia. He is currently studying a master’s in educational leadership at the University of South Australia. Adam has worked in non-government and government early childhood services as an educator and leader. Adam is currently an early childhood consultant working alongside leaders and teams with a focus on leadership and pedagogy. Areas of research interest include: Early childhood ethics, systems leadership, pedagogical documentation and practitioner inquiry. Proud dad of two and advocate for children.
KIRSTY LILJEGREN is a globally regarded professional learning provider for the ECEC and early primary sector. Sharing her wisdom and experience as a teacher and leader in the sector over many years, connections with practice infuse her sessions. Kirsty draws on her insatiable curiosity about learning as she companions teams in the ongoing quest for designing and living the optimal conditions for children to flourish in. Through an attitude and disposition of being a researcher, Kirsty believes strongly that we can authentically make a difference in the lives of children, families, and each other as part of a community of learners. Kirsty’s approach to her work builds from a commitment to the right of educators to be intellectually and emotionally engaged in what they do as part of this critical profession.
DR DEBORAH HARCOURT was the Foundation Professor of Early Childhood at the Australian Catholic University and is now the Executive Director of Asia Pacific Early Childhood Consultants. She has worked in the field of early childhood education for the past 30 years in Australia, Singapore (where she was based for 10 years), China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, UAE, UK and Sri Lanka. Deborah began her career as a preschool teacher and then moved to the tertiary sector where she has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in teacher education, health sciences and within a school of medicine. Her PhD focused on how children measure the quality of their early childhood settings. She continues her interest in researching with young children to explore their views and opinions about matters that might concern them in order to uphold the UNCRC in research practice.
KELLY GOODSIR is the Managing Director of KGlearning, a professional learning company that focus’ on improving pedagogical practice through strategic educational change in early childhood education. Kelly has dedicated her career to her own and others development of pedagogy, learning and leadership and believes whole heartedly that through ‘thinking and learning collaboratively’ anything is possible. You will be drawn to Kelly’s creative inspiration, her ability to make the complex simple and her unwavering advocacy for upholding children’s, families’ and educators’ rights. Kelly invites you into thinking deeply about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of teaching and leadership practice whilst compelling us to connect wisdom and courage in all that we do.
ANTHONY SEMANN is an agent of change. After qualifying as an early childhood teacher, Anthony spent his early career working in long day care. Eager to learn as much as he could about practice and people, he built his pedagogical knowledge and developed his skills in fostering relationships. Early on, Anthony also discovered the importance of equity and social justice as a driving force in social change. His desire for learning remains apparent, so too does his commitment to naming inequity, shifting practice towards justice and living a life that embodies all that he preaches.
Events are being held in multiple states. For more information, or to register, click on the relevant city below: