In 2024 ACEL celebrates its impressive 39th year since the original inception where the first Gold Medal were originally awarded to Victoria’s Robert Fordham and Western Australia’s Edwin Harold. Since their inception, the ACEL national awards have grown in stature with educators being recognised for their contributions across several categories.. We also recognise media organisations/journalists/programs that contribute significantly to raising the profile of the education sector and make valuable contributions to the national conversation via “The ACEL National Media Award’.
Our National Awards honours educational leaders who have dedicated themselves to the improvement of
student and educational outcomes.
View our ACEL national awards winners for 2024 below.
ACEL Gold Medal
This award is made for the most outstanding contribution to the study and practice of educational administration and leadership.
John Cleary
ACEL Presidential Citation
The Presidential Citation is an occasional award given by the President to recognise outstanding service to Australian education. It is presented to someone who has made an outstanding contribution in furthering the vision, mission and objectives of the Council.
Hon Julia Gillard AC
ACEL Keith Tronc Award for Outstanding Teacher Leadership
This award is to an early career teacher who has demonstrated outstanding practice in the classroom and as a result has made a significant difference to colleagues and the lives of students. The awardee must have made a significant contribution to the improvement of student and educational outcomes.
Alarna Page
ACEL Hedley Beare Award for Educational Writing
This award aims to promote quality writing by educators about educational leadership.
Dr Selena Fisk
A/Prof Mathew Alan White
ACEL Nganakarrawa Award
This award is presented annually to those whose general excellence in educational administration and whose learning, experience and contribution to the Council have earned lasting respect and gratitude.
Mandy Reynolds-Smith
ACEL National Media & Journalism Award
For their ongoing contribution and commitment to reporting in the arena of educational issues and their commitment to recognising and encouraging student and teacher voice on the critical issues affecting our schools across Australia.
Prof Andrew Jaspan
ACEL Fellowships
ACEL presents Fellowships to those members who have made outstanding educational leadership contributions to ACEL and/or whose work has influenced educational practice at a national and/or international level. The Fellowship is a recognition of contributions to the profession beyond the nominee’s day to day role.
Nathan Chisholm
Dr Phil Cummins
Malcolm Elliot
Sinan Kerimofski
ACEL Leadership Award
Excellent educational leadership in developing and implementing a significant educational initiative, conducting research or influencing educational policy.
A/Prof Clair Andersen
A/Prof Judith Howard
Nawarddeken Academy
Pam Russell
Colin Axup