September 10, 2020

UOW researcher elected as NSW president of Australian Council for Educational Leaders

Dr Kylie Lipscombe takes her educational leadership experience and understanding to the largest professional association of its kind in Asia Pacific region

Dr Kylie Lipscombe from the School of Education at the University of Wollongong (UOW) has been elected as the NSW president and national board member of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL).

ACEL is the largest professional association of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. The organisation 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 says she’s honoured to lead the NSW branch of ACEL, an organisation dedicated to making 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.

“I’m a strong believer that ACEL has and continues to play an important position by working across sectors to influence and advocate for the education profession, while at the same time working in partnership with leaders and academics to provide evidence-informed and quality professional learning resources, support and networks.”

Ann McIntyre, who has been the ACEL NSW President for the past six years, says Dr Lipscombe is 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,” she 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. 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) at UOW. Dr Lipscombe is also the academic leader of the NSW Department of Education Aspiring Principals Leadership program.

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