The ACEL New Voice Scholarships are awarded to education leaders whose work has made a significant impact in their field.
The scholarship recognises forward thinking, contextually relevant and responsive educational leaders whose work has had an impact above and beyond their immediate context.
This is the third year ACEL has awarded the New Voice scholarships, with 55 talented educators across all states and territories recognised and rewarded for their work.
After speaking with a colleague, who recommended he apply, Andrew completed a short essay, attached his CV with two referee statements and was selected, along with four others, out of over 100 applicants.
The scholarship is combined of four main components. Firstly, the opportunity to attend and be a part of the Australian College of Education Leaders (ACEL) National Conference being held in Sydney 4-6 October. The second component is membership into ACEL and access to ACEL resources. The third component involves presenting at the conference and being given the opportunity to write an article for ACEL’s Perspectives publication. The fourth and most important part is the opportunity to be connected with ACEL Branch (Principal Suzanne Fern of St Aloysius Primary School, Chisholm, is a member of the NSW Executive, newly appointed for 2017-2020).
“It is this latter component that is the most exciting, as it will provide opportunities to work collaboratively and alongside expert educators throughout NSW and nationally,” said Mr Cornwall.
“In my application I focused on my work in the area of technology for teaching, learning, and school operation. I am particularly proud of the work that the Learning Technology and ICT team have done in getting MNConnect rolled out in the diocese.
“ACEL is an organisation that seeks to ‘inspire, support, recognise, and advocate for excellence in educational leadership.
“I am always looking for ways to improve my own capacity, and as I continue in my role in system and school leadership, I am excited to have that opportunity to continue to grow within a network specifically focused on developing educational leadership.
“I am also keen to use this opportunity to continue discussion of the importance of re-imagining technology for education, and the role of teachers, learners and technology in a rapidly changing world,” said Mr Cornwall.
Andrew has been in his role as Education Officer (Learning Technology) for the past three years. Prior to this, Andrew’s roles in the diocese have included Religious Studies Coordinator at All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus, Maitland and Student Coordinator at St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar.
Andrew has recently been appointed Studies Coordinator as part of the foundation team at St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm.