2021 Aspiring Leaders

Janet has recently retired from full time work yet remains passionate about education and the need for educational reform. She believes strongly in the complexity and importance of leadership at all levels as well as the impact of leadership on teaching and learning. With over twenty years experience as a school leader and five as an educational consultant in leadership and teacher quality at AISWA, Janet’s focus has always been on school improvement. She seeks to empower teams of teachers to make a difference for students by challenging the status quo and questioning everything. All through her career, Janet has been committed to encouraging teachers’ growth, aspirational thinking, bravery and the taking of responsible risks. She is a recipient of the John Laing Award which recognises her significant contribution to the professional learning of her colleagues. She also has an award for outstanding service to APPA and Australian Primary education and is a life member of that association and of the Independent Primary School Heads Association. Janet is an Associate Fellow of The Australian Institute of Management (WA). 

Over the course of her career, Janet taught at all levels.  She holds a Master of Education degree, her research being in the area of middle schooling. She has worked on a number of state and national committees and represented the Independent Sector nationally and internationally. During her work at AISWA, Janet started a network for aspiring women leaders after recognising the need in this area.  At present Janet continues with her work as a school visitor, reader and consultant for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and promotes the mission of the IB. She is currently preparing for remote evaluation visits schools in India, China and New Zealand. Janet is keen to give back to the profession that gave her so much and values working with others to continue to strive for better ways of doing things. She is looking forward to meeting and working with a new group of aspiring leaders this year.