Karen has had extensive experience in education for over 30 years and has held a variety of key strategic roles. As a passionate advocate for the power of education to enrich lives, Karen moved from classroom teaching to leadership positions and has held roles as Principal, Head of Inclusive Education, Consultant, as a Director of Programs and CEO with a number of Not- for-Profit organisations. She has a passion for increasing opportunities and awareness for students not reaching their potential and has worked extensively on initiatives to support disadvantaged students, helping to bridge the gap. Karen’s unparalleled grasp of current educational realities is equally matched by her big picture thinking, and practical solutions to navigate change.

As Director of Fair Education Karen leads a local, national and international approach focusing on family and community engagement in education in her role as Director of Fair education for Schools Plus.

Schools Plus 

Australian Schools Plus exists to help close the education gap caused by disadvantage. As a national charity we exist to help vulnerable children succeed at school. Our vision is that all young Australians reach their full potential through access to a great education. We work with teachers and schools to empower schools in disadvantaged communities to implement projects and initiatives that will help address the key issues which are preventing their students from thriving. Carefully targeted funding allows schools and teachers to give students extra support, or to trial new ways to improve student outcomes

The Fair Education Program

Fair Education is a 3-year program operating in VIC, NSW, QLD and TAS. The primary purpose of Fair Education is to develop the capacity of school leaders in disadvantaged communities to better engage families and communities in student learning. The program comprises coaching for school leadership teams, funding for school specific projects, ongoing project management and evaluation. Collaboration between schools, family and community is a powerful tool to unlock student outcomes. By providing coaching to school leadership teams, we increase their capacity and motivation to drive an outward looking school culture.

Ultimately, the goal of this program is to see tangible and sustainable improvements in student learning outcomes. Evidence is building that in Fair Education schools these projects are contributing to more effective family and community engagement.