Northern Territory Branch

Ranae Graham

ACEL NT Branch President

Ranae Graham is a teacher, leader and Acting Assistant Director for the Department of Education, Northern Territory, with 20 years’ experience helping educators to build capacity. Specialising in instructional leadership, Ranae uses that experience to strengthen instruction and improve student outcomes.

By focusing on school and system improvement, Ranae has been able to put her lived experience, professional learning, and involvement in national associations to good use. Over the years, her strengths in educational leadership have garnered recognition for lift in student achievement, school improvement and strategic responses to system priorities. Ranae’s instructional practice was certified as Highly Accomplished Teacher, and she contributes to school reform initiatives such as an Initial Teacher Education panelist. She supports educators to access professional learning opportunities through volunteer work, actively contributing to the Australian Literacy Education Association (ALEA) 2022 National conference.

When they’re not at schools, Ranae enjoys trying new challenges, including sky diving, climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge or quiet time in the beautiful landscapes of the Northern Territory.

Phil Collins

Branch Executive Member

Phil Collins currently serves as the Director of Career Development within the Educational Leadership, Culture, and Care Division at the Northern Territory Department of Education. In this role, he oversees the system-wide approach to employee career pathways, leadership development, and the Remote Aboriginal Teacher Education Program.

Over his 19-year career in education, Phil has demonstrated leadership across various settings, including both independent and government sectors. He has worked in primary, secondary, and district high schools, spanning remote, rural, and metropolitan teaching services. Throughout his journey, Phil has held diverse roles such as Principal, Associate Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Boarding, and Director of Student Wellbeing, Leadership, and Service. Phil has contributed his expertise as Principal Consultant for the Department of Education in Western Australia, Senior Consultant for Growth Coaching International, and State Manager for the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program. His experience encompasses pastoral care, student and staff wellbeing, academic enhancement, system leadership, culture transformation, career development, and Aboriginal education. Phil has actively served on numerous school boards and committees and currently holds the position of Director on the SEDA College (NT) Board.

Phil's educational qualifications include a Master of Educational Leadership, a Graduate Diploma in Education, a Graduate Certificate in Education (Student Engagement), and a Bachelor of Science degree. Additionally, he is in the process of completing his Doctor of Education (Leadership and Wellbeing). Phil is deeply passionate about nurturing leadership at all levels within organisations and views the work of ACEL as vital within the ever changing landscape of education.

Brianna Gibbs

Branch Executive Member

I have worked in a leadership capacity in Education across school and corporate contexts, contributing to a range of initiatives in the NT as well as nationally. Completing my Masters of Educational Leadership gave me an in depth understanding of leadership skills from an academic perspective, while my experience working in busy schools, on national boards and in a range of Department of Education teams has given me a varied understanding of what leadership looks like in an educational context at a range of levels. I am passionate about developing those around me, particularly emerging leaders and early career teachers. I relish the opportunity to work collaboratively, thriving off the collective efficacy and knowledge that working within a team provides. Having worked in a range of roles heavily reliant on data, I am passionate about effectively using data to drive improvement on a school and system level.

Brianna has worked in a leadership capacity in Education across school and corporate contexts, contributing to a range of initiatives in the NT as well as nationally. Completing her Masters of Educational Leadership gave her an in depth understanding of leadership skills from an academic perspective, while her experience working in busy schools, on national boards and in a range of Department of Education teams has given her a varied understanding of what leadership looks like in an educational context at a range of levels. Brianna is passionate about developing those around her, particularly emerging leaders and early career teachers. She relishes the opportunity to work collaboratively, thriving off the collective efficacy and knowledge that working within a team provides. Having worked in a range of roles heavily reliant on data, she is passionate about effectively using data to drive improvement on a school and system level.

Megan McKenzie

Branch Executive Member

Megan McKenzie has been an education leader for over 20 years. This has included working as a Literacy Consultant, Numeracy Coach, Middle Years Senior Manager, Associate Principal and currently as a Primary School Principal in the Northern Territory. Megan is a passionate leader with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of current educational theory and appropriate practices in education that are driven by improving student outcomes using achievement, engagement and perception data. Megan has experience leading the implementation of school and systems reviews both in Australia and New York City and through this process builds the capability of staff to meet the various needs of students. Megan has been involved with ACEL for several years and is looking forward to continuing to work alongside ACEL to support the Northern Territory being the most improved system in Australia. 

Jemma Rust

Branch Executive Member

Jemma Rust is a dedicated education leader with over 20 years experience. She is a highly accomplished teacher and has worked across diverse school leadership roles including senior teacher, specialist teacher and assistant principal. Currently in her role as Primary School Principal, she is instructional in building capacity in her staff within her school and more broadly through professional networks to improve outcomes for our Territory kids. Creating a supportive learning environment for students, teachers, and leaders with high expectations for learning and positive wellbeing, educating the whole child, are at the core. She has experience in co-convening national conferences including ALEA in 2022 to ensure Territory teachers have access to quality professional learning to grow their practice. She has a wide collection of picture books and sees stories as a powerful way to connect life with authentic learning. Jemma is passionate about making a difference in education, leading with evidenced based and research aligned practices to drive improvement. She values the opportunities and experiences that quality education offers our Territory kids, making decisions that always put them front and centre. She works in partnership with families and agencies to provide support for students to engage, grow and achieve.

Jemma sees the empowerment of professional associations and is excited to be part of ACEL.