About Us
Who we are
Mr. Andrew Baylis
Executive Director
Master of Educational Management (MEM), University of Melbourne; Graduate Diploma in Education (Science/Chemisty) (Monash University); Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (Melbourne University); MACE; MACEL
Andrew Baylis is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Brighton Grammar School and the Executive Director of The Crowther Centre for Learning and Innovation. Andrew believes that schools are the locus for educational change and that effective pedagogy lies at the heart of educational excellence. Accordingly, Andrew plays a key role in overseeing the strategic direction of The Crowther Centre and establishing its research priorities. He has particular expertise in the development of the industry and tertiary partnerships which inform the work of The Crowther Centre. Andrew is a celebrated presenter (conferences and consultancy) and author (books and multimedia) and his ‘big picture’ focus, in combination with his background in quantitative research and statistical processes, brings a unique set of leadership skills to the work of The Crowther Centre.
Dr. Catherine Hart
Executive Officer
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Sydney University); Bachelor of Education (Secondary Humanities), University Medal (Sydney University); Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Deakin University); MACEL.
Catherine Hart is the Executive Officer of The Crowther Centre for Learning and Innovation. As an experienced secondary school teacher and tertiary educator, Catherine has significant expertise in the area of educational research particularly in the fields of teacher cultures, change leadership and the identification and development of ‘signature’ 21st Century pedagogies. As Executive Officer of The Crowther Centre for Learning and Innovation, Catherine plays an integral role in the day to day activities of The Crowther Centre, particularly in the development of cross-sectoral collaborative research cultures. Her expertise in teaching and learning is well recognised and evidenced by a wide range of publications (books and academic journals) and regular invitations to present at national and international conferences.
John Phillips
Business Development
Diploma of Teaching (Deakin); Graduate Diploma in Educational Technology (Deakin), Master of Education (Monash)
John Phillips is Director of Special Projects and Community Engagement at Brighton Grammar School. His expertise in the area of business development and his ability to successfully pursue mutually beneficial cross-sectoral partnerships has been instrumental in the establishment and success of The Crowther Centre. Importantly, John is an experienced teacher and has established a wide ranging network of schools committed to working together to explore pedagogical innovation and emerging technologies. His expertise has been recognised by a range of awards including a National excellence and Teaching Award, a Teaching Australia Award and an ADAPE Award for Excellence. John is a dynamic and highly innovative educator and his commitment to improving 21st Century teaching and learning provides valuable insight for the work of The Crowther Centre.
Dale Sheppard
Coordinator Professional Development & Special Projects
Diploma of Teaching (ACU); Bachelor of Education (ACU); Graduate Diploma in School Librarianship (Monash), Master of Education (Monash)
Mr Dale Sheppard is a highly experienced primary teacher who has held a number of positions of responsibility at Brighton Grammar School. Currently, he is the Coordinator of Professional Development and Special Projects Leader for The Crowther Centre for Learning and Innovation. Dale has played a pivotal role in several research projects for The Crowther Centre, most notably the Australian Schools Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics Project, the iPad Research Project and the Books for Boys Project. Dale has expertise in emerging technologies and the related pedagogical possibilities. He is particularly interested in the impact of changing technologies and boys’ literacy. As such, Dale plays a critical role in the development, implementation and evaluation of research based practice as it relates to the work of The Crowther Centre.
Brett Fitzsimmons
Research Coordinator
Diploma of Teaching (Music) (WA.); Master of Software Engineering(RMIT)
Brett Fitzsimmons is a specialist music and ICT teacher and has broad experience teaching primary and secondary students. As Coordinator of Research for The Crowther Centre for Learning and Innovation, Brett has been involved in all aspects of The Crowther Centre’s research projects and played a critical role in The Centre’s widely acclaimed iPad Research Project. He is a highly innovative thinker and his ability to creatively develop purpose-built software to enhance student learning is a rare talent. Brett is committed to research that involves and benefits students and teachers. In 2012, Brett was the Inaugural Recipient of the Meliora Award at Brighton Grammar School. This Award recognised Brett’s outstanding contribution to research.
