Dr Jake Madden

After graduating with a primary teaching degree majoring in physical education Jake has enjoyed a successful teaching and leadership career across three states and four educational systems throughout Australia. He has been a principal of seven schools over the last twenty years building and leading learning communities. He is passionate about leadership and the positive difference that it can make to teacher and student learning outcomes. Over many years, Jake has led and facilitated the professional learning of principals and staff at school, national and international level in the area of leadership, school improvement and curriculum development.

Guiding his leadership practices is the key focus on improving student learning. This highlights his educational interests in building teacher capacity through the development of learning in the contemporary world, the promotion of flexible learning spaces to meet the needs of the 21st century learner and curriculum for global mindedness. This is highlighted in his online presence. Additionally Jake is recognised for his passion in supporting the training and development of beginning teachers.

Jake sees teachers as leaders in his schools with his doctoral research being focused on the relationship between teachers as leaders and school principals. Flowing from his research and experience in schools, Jake has provided blueprints for schools wishing to engage in school improvement initiatives. He is the author of six books and numerous articles. Incorporating his doctoral work on building teacher capacity Jake’s expertise has assisted schools in undertaking pedagogical change.

Jake is a leader in the notion of teacher-as-researcher and through his leadership in schools engages teachers to collaborate in revising curriculum, improving their work environment, professionalizing teaching, and developing effective school policy. In his role as International Schools Consultant Jake is called upon nationally and internationally to offer insights into building teacher capacity in de-privatizing teaching and learning.

Jake was awarded a Fellowship with the Australian Council of Educational Leaders in recognition for his contribution in this area and to fostering teacher professional learning. In December 2019 the Global Forum for Education and Learning conferred him in the top 100 leaders in education and in 2020 he received the outstanding contribution to education from GESS, Dubai. Currently, Jake is the editor of the Journal of Applied Research and Innovation and he sits on the editorial board for the International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change. Jake is the inaugural Dean of the Australian College of Researchers.

Today, Dr. Jake resides in Tamworth, Australia.