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.

Since 2024, Kara has been a Manager at the Academy and currently leads the Middle Leadership Unit, delivering career-stage professional learning programs for teachers and school leaders across Victoria. She has also led the Academy's Government Schools Principals Conference, the Independent Schools Victoria Principals Conference and the Thought Leadership Series.

Kara began her career as a primary teacher and holds a Master of Education (Special Education). She has worked across both school settings and the Visiting Teacher Service, and has led the implementation of disability inclusion, wellbeing and attendance initiatives within schools and across the South-Western Victoria Region.

A proud First Nations woman, Kara is passionate about advancing self-determination in education and supporting equitable, evidence-informed reform at both local and state-wide levels. She is committed to building leadership capability that improves outcomes for students, educators and school communities.

Outside of work, Kara enjoys travelling with her family and exploring diverse cultures throughout Australia and overseas.

Sandra has over 30 years of experience as a Visual Arts educator, teaching across a wide range of arts disciplines. Her passion for creativity and interdisciplinary learning led her from the role of Arts Leader to STEAM Leader and ultimately to her current position as Emerging Innovations Leader. Believing that the creative process is the foundation of innovation, Sandra develops authentic, future focused learning experiences through partnerships with industry, universities and the wider community.

Sandra is a passionate advocate for creativity, design thinking and innovation across the curriculum. She has presented at education conferences and worked with a variety of educators, sharing practical approaches to embedding innovation and cross-disciplinary learning in schools. Sandra is committed to empowering both students and teachers to embrace curiosity, collaboration and creative problem-solving in an ever-changing world.  

Sandra is a TEP alumni and currently taking part in the Academy’s Teaching Impact Fellowship.

Chenelle leads curriculum and pedagogical initiatives the Language and Literature Faculty. An experienced middle leader, she has a passion for developing teacher expertise and fostering cultures of continuous improvement, building collaborative professional practice that strengthens student outcomes across learning frameworks.

Chenelle's proposed doctoral research, Seeing oneself as a leader: Inclusive middle leadership and leadership identity, explores how educators from diverse backgrounds develop leadership identities and how schools can create more inclusive pathways into leadership. Her professional interests include middle leadership, teacher development, literacy education, and leading change through influence.

Chenelle is due to commence the Create: Middle Leaders program in Semester 2.  

Simone is an Expert Teacher in Residence at the Academy, with a focus on primary English. She has extensive experience as a classroom teacher and leader, including roles as a Learning Specialist, Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, and facilitator of social and emotional learning professional learning. Simone has designed and delivered professional learning both face-to-face and online, supporting teachers to strengthen evidence-informed teaching and learning, enhance student engagement, and promote wellbeing in schools. She is passionate about learning alongside others, sharing knowledge, and leading collaboratively to make a meaningful impact. Outside work, she loves beach adventures with her two young children.