Message from the President

Welcome to the Queensland Branch section of the Australian College of Educators (ACE) website.

We appreciate the ongoing membership of current members, and encourage all in Queensland who are interested in education to join this important Professional Association which is the only national professional association which represents educators across all sectors and systems.

From 1960 to 2010

Excellence in education occurs when people dream and imagine possible futures, and then have the agency to engage in committed, inspirational, individual and collective actions to realise their vision. Imagine the courage and advocacy needed by those with the passion and vision to get our Queensland Branch officially formed on the 15 July 1960, and a select group of prominent Queensland educators were invited to become members.

In the history of the Australian College of Educators, the 15 July 2010 marks the 50^th Anniversary of the historic formation of our Queensland Branch. We are able to now live the dream of the founders of both the Australian College of Educators (originally known as the Australian College of Education), and the founders of the Queensland Branch (formerly known as the Queensland Chapter). The following data demonstrate the growth of Queensland ACE:  

July 1961 - The Queensland membership was 103 members (as reported at the first Annual General Meeting)

December 2009 - The Queensland membership was 1056 members (as reported in the ACE Annual Report 2009)

Beyond 2010 - Growth, Energy, Collegiality, Intellectual Engagement, and National Voice

We plan to continue to grow our membership, enhance our profile, and ensure the sustainability of ACE in Queensland in contributing to the national voice for all educators. This needs the energy, collegiality, and intellectual engagement of our current membership.

 At the National level, membership brings with it a strategic network of professional information, awards, events and engagement with the big educational initiatives and ideas. At the State Branch level, we provide the important Queensland contextual professional capital and context needed in the national policies and processes and support for members across a diverse and geographically large State. Through our valued Regional Groups, local relational cultures and networking are promoted.

The members in these times have the duty and responsibility to build upon the 'shoulders of the giants' who had that wonderful vision more than 50 years ago, and to build upon the wonderful efforts of those ACE members who have followed.

If you are not a member, I encourage you to become a member of this professional association for all educators, and details are available at http://austcolled.com.au/membership.

Best wishes

Associate Professor Glenn Finger FACE
Queensland Branch President