Middle Leaders Conference

Associate Professor Kylie Lipscombe is an educational leadership researcher and practitioner in the School of Education at the University of Wollongong, with over 24 years’ experience across schools, systems, and higher education. Her research focuses on middle leadership development, teacher collaboration, and leadership identity, with over 35 publications and 700 citations. 

As Lead Academic Partner with the NSW Department of Education, Kylie co-designed two flagship statewide programs — the Middle Leadership Development Program and the Aspiring Principals Leadership Program — impacting thousands of educators across the state. She has secured over $6 million in funding for leadership development initiatives and has served as NSW President of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders. 

Kylie has also advised on middle leadership development for Catholic Schools NSW and served as an expert advisor for the development of the AITSL Australian Professional Standards for Middle Leaders. 

She is passionate about bridging research and practice to empower school leaders at every level, and is a sought-after keynote speaker on middle leadership across Australia.

Dr. Ryan Dunn is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, specialising in teacher professional learning, educational leadership, middle level leadership, and evidence-based instruction. 

With extensive international experience, he has advised and collaborated with schools and districts across Australia, the United States, Canada, and Singapore. Dr. Dunn's research and practical work focus on improving educational outcomes through effective leadership and evidence-informed teaching strategies. 

He maintains a close partnership with the Victorian Department of Education, leading projects in mathematics education, middle leadership development, and networked learning initiatives.

Sarah joined the Academy as a Principal in Residence in August 2025 from her substantive role as principal of Niddrie Primary School.  Prior to joining the Academy, Sarah was Network Co-chair for the Moonee Valley Network Executive and had been an active member of the Network Executive for four years.  With experience in Primary, Secondary and Specialist settings, Sarah believes all learners can develop their talents, be proud of themselves and their cultures, and look to the future with hope. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary), a Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL, a Master of TESOL, and a Master of Education (Gifted Education).  Outside of work you will find her in the outdoors as much as possible, enjoying time with her family and playing taxi service to her three children’s sporting and musical pursuits.

Ryan has been in the Principal Class for the past 11 years and holds a strong passion for developing leadership across schools and systems. Ryan began his career in Japan, where he spent 4 years working as a liaison officer for municipal government and taught English language to students from kindergarten to adult age. He has served as a member of Network Executives and has trained in Growth Coaching and Navigating Complexity. Most recently, Ryan has been the principal at Dana Street Primary School in Ballarat, where his team have transformed their school to attain excellent learning and wellbeing outcomes for all students. Outside of work, Ryan is a keen martial artist of over 35 years. He teaches the martial art of Kendo, loves exploring the outdoors and going camping with his family. He also enjoys photography and music.