Jake Madden

(Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; FACR)

After graduating with a primary teaching degree majoring in physical education I have enjoyed a successful teaching and leadership career across three states and four educational systems throughout Australia. I have been a principal in six schools over the last twenty years building and leading learning communities. I am passionate about leadership and the positive difference that it can make to teacher and student learning outcomes.  Over many years, I have led and facilitated the professional learning of principals and staff at school, national and international level in the area of leadership, school improvement and curriculum development.

Guiding my leadership practices is the key focus on improving student learning. This highlights my educational interests in building teacher capacity through the development of learning in the contemporary world, the promotion of flexible learning spaces to meet the needs of the 21st century learner and curriculum for global mindedness.

My doctoral research focused on the relationship between teachers as leaders and school principals. I have a strong belief in the notion of teacher-as-researcher and through my leadership in schools, I am keen to engage teachers to collaborate in revising curriculum, improving their work environment, professionalizing teaching, and developing effective school policy. I have presented nationally and internationally on practical steps in building teacher capacity in de-privatizing teaching and learning.

I have published in this area of teachers as researchers, authoring six books and a number of journal articles showcasing my experiences and research into leading educational change. My recent publications include titles such as, ‘School Improvement in the UAE: A Practical Implementation of the School Effectiveness Literature’, and ‘School Reform: Case Studies in Teaching Improvement’.

I was awarded a Fellowship with the Australian Council of Educational Leaders in recognition for my contribution in this area and to fostering teacher professional learning. In December 2019 the Global Forum for Education and Learning conferred me in the top 100 leaders in education and in 2020 I received the “Outstanding Contribution to Education Award” from GESS, Dubai. Currently, I am the editor of the Journal of Applied Research and Innovation and sit on the editorial board for the International Journal of Innovation, Creativity, and Change. I am the inaugural Dean of the Australian College of Researchers.

In my spare time, I am an accredited rugby coach and a (tragic) golfing enthusiast.

I am married to a beautiful teacher-librarian and have four young adult children.