University of Southern Queensland doctoral graduate Tania Leach has picked up a prestigious accolade in recognition for her work exploring the challenges of middle leadership in schools.
Dr Leach was awarded the Research in Educational Leadership and Management Award from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) Queensland Branch during a ceremony in Brisbane last week.
It capped off a memorable week for Dr Leach, who celebrated finishing her doctoral degree at a graduation ceremony in Toowoomba the day before.
The Associate Head of School (Professional Engagement) at the University of Southern Queensland said she was honoured to receive the ACEL award, which acknowledges exceptional academic achievement in educational leadership research studies.
"I am humbled and grateful to have my research recognised by ACEL colleagues,” Dr Leach said.
“I feel privileged to be surrounded by amazing educational leaders, including my supervisor Dr Dorothy Andrews who nominated me, and I am grateful to my four children and husband for their unconditional support.”
Dr Leach said the findings from her research have helped inform how middle leaders’ roles can be utilised to positively impact the implementation of reform policies and, ultimately, the provision of quality student learning experiences.
“I was invited to work with the Department of Education Assistant Regional Director’s advisory group where I led face-to-face meetings with the State Schools Division’s Deputy Director General and the State Schools Performance Assistant Director General,” she said.
“I also led professional capability workshops across three regions, state-wide ARD induction workshops and online workshops across the state.
“This work helped me comprehend system leadership lessons from a research perspective, explore system leadership in action utilising my role enactment framework, and unpack the ARD role through developing and applying shared policy role understandings to identify potential points of impact.”
