Dr Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M.Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; FACR) is a globally respected educator, researcher, and system leader in school improvement. With more than 30 years of experience, he has led schools across Australia and internationally, pioneering strategies to build teacher capacity, drive curriculum innovation, and develop leadership at all levels.
His work has influenced a generation of educators and continues to shape the future of teaching and learning worldwide.
Dr Jake Madden’s Educational Journey
Dr Jake Madden’s passion for education began in 1985 when he earned his Diploma in Primary Teaching from the Armidale College of Advanced Education. Committed to ongoing professional growth, he pursued further studies, earning:
- Bachelor of Arts in Education (Gifted and Talented)
- Graduate Diploma of Arts and Leadership (1995)
- Master of Education (Leadership) (2001)
- Doctorate in Education (2006) – focusing on building teacher capacity
His research-driven approach has shaped his leadership in education, advocating for teachers as researchers and promoting continuous professional development.
A Career Shaped by Research and Purpose
Dr Madden began his teaching journey in 1985, graduating with a Diploma in Primary Teaching from the Armidale College of Advanced Education. Since then, he has built a career grounded in professional learning and research-informed practice, earning:
- Bachelor of Education (Gifted and Talented)
- Graduate Diploma of Arts and Leadership (1995)
- Master of Education in Leadership (2001)
- Doctor of Education (2006) – specialising in teacher capacity-building
Throughout his academic and professional path, Dr Madden has promoted teachers as researchers, championing professional inquiry as a core driver of school improvement.
Educational Leadership Across Contexts
Dr Madden has served as principal of seven schools across three Australian states and four educational systems. His leadership approach is deeply collaborative, grounded in strategic vision, and focused on improving student learning outcomes through effective teaching.
His areas of expertise include:
- Leadership Development – coaching and mentoring school leaders
- School Improvement – guiding schools through sustained, research-driven change
- Curriculum Innovation – designing agile learning models and flexible environments
- Global Mindedness – preparing students for a rapidly changing, interconnected world
Championing Teacher Development and Inquiry
A strong advocate for the teacher-as-researcher movement, Dr Madden believes that powerful schools are built on empowered teachers. Under his leadership, schools have embedded:
- Collaborative curriculum design
- Professionalised teaching cultures
- Data-informed decision-making
- De-privatised teaching practice
He regularly presents at national and international conferences, sharing actionable insights on professional learning, instructional leadership, and building capacity across systems.
Driving Teacher Development and Research
An advocate for the teacher-as-researcher movement, Dr Jake Madden believes that teachers must actively engage in educational research to refine their practice. Through his leadership, he fosters:
✅ Collaborative curriculum revision
✅ Professionalised teaching environments
✅ Data-informed school policies
✅ De-privatisation of teaching and learning
His influence extends beyond schools, as he is frequently invited to speak at national and international conferences, sharing insights on teacher capacity-building.
Recognition and Global Impact
Dr Madden’s influence in education has been recognised through numerous awards and honours, including:
🏅 Fellow of the Australian Council of Educational Leaders (FACEL) – for his outstanding contribution to teacher professional learning
🏅 Top 100 Leaders in Education (2019) – Global Forum for Education and Learning
🏅 Outstanding Contribution to Education (2020) – GESS Dubai
He is the author of seven professional books and numerous journal articles, offering practical strategies for leading school transformation.
Current Role and Global Reach
Dr Madden currently resides in Tokyo, Japan, where he serves as Group Head of Schools for Aoba International Education Systems. He is also a Governor for ImprovED, an international organisation focused on school improvement and teacher professional growth.
Through his ongoing work in research, leadership, and systems transformation, Dr Madden continues to drive impact across global education landscapes.
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