St Andrew's Cathedral School

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Dr Kirsten Macaulay recognised on the Educator’s Hot List 2024

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We are delighted to announce that Dr Kirsten Macaulay, Deputy Head Quality Teaching K – 12, has been named one of Australia’s best educators, with her inclusion on the Educator’s Hot List 2024. 

The Educator’s Hot List recognises the ‘movers and shakers’ in Australia’s education industry, their achievements spanning the creation of new curricula or innovative teaching methods, or a commitment to mentoring colleagues. Dr Macaulay’s award recognises her outstanding contributions to educational leadership and innovation. 

With a background in Music education, Dr Macaulay’s commitment to mentoring early career teachers and volunteering with professional associations underscores her desire to elevate the teaching profession. She is passionate about utilising her skills to help others recognise their strengths.

“I’m driven by the desire to connect educators across schools, stages, and sectors to share best practices, ensuring all students can thrive,” Dr Macaulay said.

“I firmly believe that we are stronger together. This passion fuels my involvement in various professional associations and my commitment to mentoring pre-service and early career teachers.”

She is also committed to elevating the narrative surrounding teaching. “This profession offers unparalleled fulfillment,” she said.

“Every day has hundreds of small inspiring moments – the positive impact of a teacher can be seen each day. I aim to inspire others to recognise teaching as the transformative and deeply satisfying career it truly is.”

Dr Macaulay has created several outstanding initiatives at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. These include the creation and implementation of a Professional Growth Programme for staff, the development of Expert Teacher Workshops and a bespoke Tertiary Intern Programme that supports two different pathways for pre-service teachers to connect meaningfully with the School. Remarkably, two of the programme’s interns were recently awarded the NSW Teacher’s Guild Scholarship for masters’ students. Read more of their story.

More broadly, Dr Macaulay has held the position of NESA Chief Examiner for Music. She has had extensive involvement in various professional associations, such as the Australian Society of Music Educators and the Australian Council of Educational Leaders. 

Dr Macaulay has established vital connections between the School and national and international researchers and educators, as co-founder of the Research Conversations Conference series. 

Following the completion of her recent doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr Macaulay’s research has won several prestigious awards. She is currently working on multiple resources and papers to communicate her findings, along with professional learning strategies for teachers to implement in their classrooms.

Her advice for young teachers as they enter the profession is to embrace its complexity.

“We hold an immense privilege and responsibility,” she said.

“In today’s world, a teacher’s role transcends mere education of minds. We are beacons of light, strength and positive influence, illuminating paths for our students’ futures, in partnership with parents, guardians and for our communities. My hope for young teachers is to know that their impact resonates far beyond the classroom walls, that they will shape lives in profound ways.”