2023 NEW VOICE PERSPECTIVES
Supporting emerging voices in educational leadership
The Australian Council for Educational Leaders is proud to present the 2023 New Voice Perspectives, celebrating
leaders recognised in the fields of school leadership, educational leadership research, and early childhood and care.
Every year, recipients are welcomed into the ACEL network contributing to and supporting the dissemination of new
learning and thought. New Voice Scholarships are awarded to educators recognised as forward-thinking, contextually
relevant and responsive leaders by peers and the wider education community. Over 100 talented educators have been
awarded these scholarships since the program was initiated in 2014.
The New Voice Perspectives provide an opportunity to explore and uncover new and diverse points of view. This year,
recipients were asked to respond to one of four questions that considered how leaders inspire hope and create the
future; the three main global challenges facing educational leaders; what it means to be an educational leader in
2023; and in an age of AI, how leaders can ensure that leadership remains human focused. As to be expected, the
recipients recounted a variety of interesting and thoughtful responses to the questions and challenges. An important
theme that emerged was the need to prioritise the “human” element within schooling by empowering young people
to be confident, critical thinkers who are discerning users of AI and other technologies, as well as lifelong learners who
can thrive in a volatile and uncertain future. Another key theme was the necessity for educators to work collectively
to create systemic solutions to perennial issues facing schools. Through collaboration, innovative solutions are like to
appear.
As the 2023 New Voice scholars share their voice and rich perspectives throughout these pages, we envisage it will
stimulate further prompts for reflection, planning, and action as we consider an educational environment in which
anything is possible. Indeed, we have seen in the past 12 months that anything is possible. Those pivotal moments in
time have illuminated the opportunity and importance of thinking without constraint. We are very proud to showcase
each of our New Voice Scholars who have inspired us with their clarity of purpose in the pursuit of universal access and
engagement for all students to achieve in schooling and beyond.
Dr Barbara Watterston
ACEL CEO