About EEA

Education Excellence Australia is an independent professional learning provider that designs and delivers crafted professional learning programs for teachers and schools. We aim to unlock whole school improvement by making an impact on teacher pedagogy and practice. Through our combined teaching, leadership and research experience, across all sectors and levels, we are able to draw upon a wide variety of contemporary educational evidence to tailor professional learning for your school context and needs.  

Education Excellence Australia was established by Jemma, Sam and Brendan following two years working together as Expert Teachers in Residence at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership delivering the Teaching Excellence Program and designing and leading professional learning in across the state. 

Meet the directors

  • Brendan has over ten years experience working in Catholic secondary schools and has held various senior and middle leadership roles in curriculum and student leadership development. Brendan has completed a Doctor of Education at the University of Melbourne, focusing on the contextual applicability of feedback and metacognition, in addition to a Masters of Education (Educational Management), Masters of Teaching and Bachelor of Science.

    Brendan has also worked as both a lecturer and tutor at the University of Melbourne, within the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, and has led the facilitation of professional development workshops for teachers across the state, including the facilitation of programs for the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools. Brendan has presented at National and International Conferences in the areas of STEM and Generative Artificial Intelligence.

  • Jemma brings deep experience and expertise in school improvement and capability building, having held both school-based and system-level roles focused on driving sustained improvement. She has supported teachers and middle leaders across Victoria to refine their practice, deepen their instructional knowledge, and build their capacity to lead improvements that positively impact student learning.

    With over 17 years in schools, Jemma fosters a strong commitment to lifelong learning and is currently pursuing a Master of Instructional Leadership at the University of Melbourne. Her reputation as a highly capable Primary English teacher was solidified through her appointment as an Expert Teacher in Residence at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. 

  • Sam has over 30 years of teaching experience in the government and independent sector, holding leadership roles in curriculum design and student management. Most recently, he was Expert Teacher in Residence for The Arts at the Victorian Academy of Teaching & Leadership. He has held numerous roles for the VCAA.

    Sam has been invited to present workshops locally and internationally and written award winning study guides and related materials for organisations including Arts Centre Melbourne, Drama Victoria, VCAA, VATE and Opera Australia.

    He started the Theatre Studies Network in 2013 to encourage new and experienced teachers to share and celebrate professional knowledge, experiences, ideas and resources, with links to industry and academia.