THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING
Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from Education Technology Insights
THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING
Lisa Wynter, director of faculty at TAFE Queensland, is a seasoned executive with a robust background in vocational education and training (VET). She is dedicated to integrating sustainable practices to achieve strategic and operational goals. Wynter has been instrumental in shaping the new Robina campus at TAFE Queensland, with sustainability at its core. Previously, she led the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Volunteer Training Program and continues to contribute to the strategy for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. An MBA graduate and recipient of the 2021 AUSTAFE award for educational leadership, she is committed to aligning student experiences with TAFE Queensland’s strategic and sustainability goals.
In an interview with Education Technology Insights APAC, Wynter emphasizes the integration of sustainability in education and the importance of fostering an innovative, supportive culture. She also highlights the need to prioritize student-centered learning and continuous professional development to navigate the evolving education landscape.
What key milestones have shaped your growth for your current role at TAFE Queensland?
My journey in VET began with a teaching role in Aged Care. This period was crucial in building a strong professional foundation and understanding the intricacies of both the private and public sectors. A pivotal moment came when I took on my first leadership roles as an Operations Manager and then as an Education Manager, where I could manage and support teams and drive projects to successful completion.
In 2017, I completed my Master of Business Administration while working full-time. This experience provided both valuable theoretical knowledge and practical insights into leadership and management, significantly shaping my strategic thinking and decision-making abilities. A key project I led for TAFE Queensland was the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Volunteer Training Program, which served 15,000 volunteers through a tailored curriculum delivered online and face-to-face. Developed using historical analysis and data from previous games, this program exemplified my ability to lead complex initiatives, reinforcing the value of perseverance and innovative problem-solving.
Contributing to the development of the Robina Campus has been a particularly rewarding experience. We achieved modern design and construction practices to meet sustainability goals, including 250 solar panels, recycled materials, ecological finishes, sensor-activated lighting, solar glass, and a rainwater-fed irrigation system. Our efforts have garnered global recognition, continuing to inspire others.
Learning from seasoned leaders and peers has enriched my leadership approach and broadened my horizons. In my role as Director of Faculty at TAFE Queensland, I leverage these experiences to empower others and lead teams toward achieving overarching academic objectives. I focus on identifying growth opportunities and strengthening community connections with our Robina Campus. Each milestone has equipped me to navigate challenges, inspire my team, and drive strategic objectives.
What are the most significant challenges you have encountered in encouraging faculty to fully integrate sustainability into teaching?
Integrating sustainability into every aspect of teaching has been a rewarding yet ongoing journey. As sustainability concepts evolve, so do our initiatives. During the transition to the new campus, extensive planning and consultation were required to define what sustainability means for each team, how it will be embedded, and how we can continue to grow as a campus community.
We hold professional development days to explore sustainability, supported by dedicated staff who engage with us across the campus. Throughout the year, we initiate various sustainability activities, inviting campus-wide participation. Currently, I am working on a project to implement a carbon literacy training program for all campus members by 2025. Our campus features practical visual reminders of sustainability, alongside initiatives like ‘Stop and Swap’ and ‘Clothes Swap’ in a student lounge. These programs support slow fashion, repurposing, and community sharing, promoting a sustainable and collaborative environment.
These strategies have helped me navigate the challenges of integrating sustainability into teaching, fostering a more environmentally conscious and forward-thinking educational setting.
“We take inspiration from our virtual business college to implement best practices and prioritize the student learning journey and experience.”
How do you promote an innovative and supportive culture through initiatives like the Peer-to-Peer Community of Practice?
I maintain an open-door policy to encourage an environment of innovation and creativity. Our Community of Practice serves as a space for celebrating each other’s contributions and encouraging the impactful work educators are doing within the community. It’s a safe platform for sharing initiatives without judgment.
Recognizing innovation and unique ideas is essential. Besides weekly academic insights and quarterly corporate reporting, we celebrate achievements in faculty meetings, team chats, and through our ‘Tree of Life’ term award for outstanding educators. We also have a statewide ‘Stars Award’ program to honor staff contributions. In addition, we offer professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and online courses, supported by our capability team for continuous improvement.
How has technology-driven learning influenced your teams in delivering practical knowledge for areas like business?
Technology-enabled learning has revolutionized our education delivery, especially through our Virtual Business College, where we provide statewide virtual training in business and leadership with support from satellite teams nationwide.
Technology has made education more accessible and flexible. Online platforms and digital resources allow students to learn at their own pace and from any location, which is especially beneficial for those balancing studies with work and family. Our approach places students at the center, with flexible delivery options, one-on-one educator sessions, virtual skills coaching, tutorials, and podcasts.
Achieving this transformation has required significant effort from key individuals, whose dedication I am incredibly proud of. Their work continues to inspire future leaders to adopt similar strategies within their teams.
What changes do you anticipate in the field of education, and how are you preparing your organization for this new environment?
The education landscape is evolving rapidly, with several shifts anticipated. Digital and hybrid learning models are here to stay, and we’re investing in digital tools and training to enhance online education across diverse qualifications. We take inspiration from our virtual business college to implement best practices and prioritize the student learning journey and experience.
Education is becoming more global, bringing challenges and opportunities for international student engagement. We seek to foster international partnerships and provide in-country and virtual training.
AI is transforming education, and we’re excited to integrate industry expertise with AI possibilities. It’s an interesting time to be in the VET sector as we explore these advancements.
Our organization prioritizes mental health and well-being, recognizing its critical importance in education. We’re committed to enhancing support systems for staff and providing counseling services for students.
What advice would you offer to aspiring leaders aiming to drive innovation and maintain academic quality?
For emerging leaders in education, embracing change and adaptability is essential.
An unwavering focus on student-centered learning, combined with thoughtful integration of technology, can significantly enhance learning experiences and streamline processes. Cultivating a culture of collaboration and investing in ongoing professional development are also vital to nurturing a forward-thinking team.
Equally important is a commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring that each effort aligns with these foundational values. Leaders should regularly measure the impact of their initiatives and engage in reflection, which, alongside building strong networks and leading by example, will foster growth and resilience. Passion and resilience are indispensable for driving meaningful innovation and inspiring teams to uphold academic excellence.
Read Also
I agree We use cookies on this website to enhance your user experience. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. More info
However, if you would like to share the information in this article, you may use the link below:
www.educationtechnologyinsightseurope.com/cxoinsights/lisa-wynter-nid-3078.html