A lifelong learner: Danielle's growth as a school leader

‘The Academy is like a lolly shop - there's something for everyone at every stage of your career and that’s what I like about it.'

A leader shaped by learning

For Danielle Heatley, professional learning has never been a checkbox, it’s been a constant driver of her career. From her early days as a teacher to her current role as a principal preparing to open a new school, Danielle has embraced every opportunity to grow, reflect and support others to do the same.

Danielle's career pathway

1. Classroom teacher
2. Leading teacher
3. Acting assistant principal
4. Assistant principal
5. Principal

Early career: from teacher to emerging leader

Danielle’s teaching journey began at Kilberry, with further experience across schools including Lynbrook, Narre Warren, Dandenong and Vermont. Even as a second-year teacher, Danielle was eager to step into leadership. When a local leadership program was discontinued, she and 3 colleagues designed their own network leadership course for graduates.

'Looking back, I can’t believe how brazen I was (Danielle laughs). I was a second- or third-year teacher running a leadership course for graduate teachers. But it was picked up by the network, and they acknowledged our work. That experience showed me the power of learning and leading together.'

A growth mindset for leadership

While Danielle never set out to become a principal, her passion for supporting people to be their best naturally pulled her toward leadership.

'As a teacher, my classroom was filled with students. Now, as a school leader, my classroom is my staff. My role is to set up structures so that they can reflect, grow and have the biggest impact on those around them.'

Professional learning with the Academy

Danielle has engaged with Academy programs throughout her career, describing the Academy as 'a bit like a lolly shop - there’s something for everyone at every stage.'

Using the Academy Leadership Excellence Framework

The Academy Leadership Excellence Framework has become one of Danielle’s most relied-on tools, helping her reflect on her own practice and guide the growth of her leadership team.

Academy Leadership Excellence Framework

Applying tools from Leading Quality Conversations

One of the most influential programs Danielle has completed is Leading Quality Conversations. 

'I use the rubric constantly. It shapes the way I talk with staff, and I see the impact of those conversations straight away.'

Leading Quality Conversations

Workforce Planning and Data Literacy in action

Danielle draws heavily on resources from the Workforce Planning and Data Literacy programs, using them to inform planning across her school. 

'These programs don’t just impact me - they ripple out through my SIT team, my leadership team, and then to our teachers and students.'

VAPA and reflective leadership

Danielle completed the Victorian Aspiring Principal Assessment (VAPA) even after becoming a principal. 

'It was the epitome of reflection - getting feedback, finding areas to develop, and then building the skills to do that. I chose to do it because I thought it was important, and it absolutely was.'

Victorian Aspiring Principal Assessment (VAPA)

Impact beyond the classroom

Danielle’s leadership approach is simple but powerful: when staff feel supported and see themselves growing, they find joy in their work, and that motivation spreads across the whole school. 

'Because I love learning, I have attracted people into my leadership team who do too and that in turn inspires our teachers. It creates a culture of growth and reflection across the school that benefits everyone.'

Why professional learning matters

For Danielle, professional learning isn’t just about career progression.

'Sometimes people think you do professional learning to advance your career. For me, it’s about being better at the job you are doing, whatever role you are in. The Academy programs evolve with the latest research, so you always know the learning is valuable and current.'

She points to programs like Leading Literacy as examples that schools can revisit at different times for new insights. 

'You’ll always get something different depending on your context and stage of leadership.'

Looking ahead: Danielle’s next chapter

Having recently completed the Harvard Principals’ Centre in Australia program, Danielle has her sights set on future opportunities - including Harvard programs overseas and the Academy's coaching programs. But for now, she is focused on the exciting challenge of opening a new school.

'I don’t think about progression in terms of jobs, but in terms of developing my skills. The roles come naturally when you’re ready. For me, it’s about having the biggest impact on the people around me - and I never feel finished with my learning.'

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