Tim McDonald

Background

About Tim McDonald

I am a strategic leader and innovator with over 20 years experience leading change in education systems. I have helped education systems design, implement, and evaluate capacity building initiatives that focus on improving teacher practice as the key lever to improve student outcomes. My experience in managing large-scale projects in areas of leadership, student engagement, well-being, along with innovation in the fields of education, youth justice and employment have led me to my current role as the Y WA CEO. I’m a leading authority on student learning and engagement having written a popular textbook for Oxford University Press. I am passionate about giving every child the opportunity to reach their potential by enabling system leaders and schools across the country to deliver evidence-based practice and policy. I know the value of quality education and being an inquisitive learner with a strong passion for continuous improvement and cultivating curiosity. This extends to my leadership style which reflects my goal to inspire and empower others. A relational leader, I inspire a shared vision, and model leadership integrity and a commitment to learning and growth. On a personal note, my greatest achievement is my children, they keep me grounded and are the best teachers of respect, learning, love and forgiveness. Some of my proud achievements are: • Introduced and led the world-class digital transformation project, LEADing Lights, which provided a new whole of system-digital platform to connect staff and students across the Catholic Education WA to enhance learning outcomes. • Drove governance reforms at the national and State level in Catholic education. • Drove an education and training focused agenda including expanding prison-based training and development opportunities offered to Aboriginal people for a WA philanthropic initiative. • Developed the Residency program, an alternative school-based model of teacher education which achieved breakthrough results for a Western Australian Faculty of Education • Authored a leading textbook on classroom engagement for Oxford University Press, Classroom Management – Engaging Students in Learning.