Michael Hooker, Director Educational Leadership for the Mount Druitt Principals’ network, is this year’s recipient of the Public Education Foundation’s Teachers Mutual Bank Emerging Leaders Scholarship award.

Through the scholarship Mr Hooker will undertake a short professional education program at the Harvard Kennedy School in the US.

Mr Hooker has worked as a Director Educational Leadership for the past three years, has been principal of five schools and held leadership roles across the department throughout his teaching career.

In his current work, he supports the continuous improvement of schools and principals in the Mount Druitt network by ensuring an evidence-based approach in responding to the learning needs of students.

He is also focused on providing leadership direction and support and works to implement Aboriginal education policies and strategies at the schools within his network.

Mr Hooker is looking forward to undertaking the program once international travel restrictions from the pandemic are relaxed.

“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity and I look forward to developing my leadership skills and making the most of the program,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to attending Harvard and linking with other leaders.”

Mr Hooker will have the opportunity to expand his skills in leadership and policy analysis through the professional education program, tailormade for emerging leaders.

Public Education Foundation Executive Director David Hetherington praised Mr Hooker for his professional work and commitment to public education.

“Michael is an outstanding educational leader who builds excellent relationships with his colleagues, schools and communities,” Mr Hetherington said.

“He has already built an impressive body of professional work, and we are proud to be able to support Michael with this scholarship as he continues his career journey.”

The Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to students and educators in public education.