SA History project

The First 50 Years of the Australian College of Educators in South Australia.

Click here to download the PDF, prepared by the SA-based Archives Fellows Research Group November 2009

Foreword
The Australian College of Educators is a pre-eminent professional association that was formed to speak for the education profession as a whole. It is also one of the earliest, having been established in 1959. That brings me to the purpose of this publication. While it serves many purposes, such as allowing us to wander nostalgically down memory's lane, in chronicling the history of the SA Chapter of the College it also acknowledges the contribution of individuals and groups of professionals to education in general and to the College in particular. It has many highlights of our history and details of the crucial and most meaningful achievements of the Chapter over 50 years. The publication, however, has another, and in my opinion, most important, function - and that is to celebrate what we have achieved. It is only upon reading and reflecting on our history that we can truly appreciate the impact and importance the SA ACE Chapter has had on shaping and influencing the direction of education in this state.

Of course, in celebrating our 50th year as an Association, it is also timely to reflect
on why the College was originally established. As a State President and member of the
national board, I find it most pertinent that the original purpose of the College, as
stated by Dr Darling, was to provide the profession with a voice - to ensure that there
was a collective view proposed to the wider community about what was most relevant,
essential and at the heart of education. It is notable indeed that our original purpose
still has such resonance today - like all worthy purposes it has stood the test of time
and continues to provide our profession with a compelling and meaningful direction.

In South Australia, our Chapter has also been blessed with some truly inspirational
leaders. You cannot help but be impressed when glancing down the list of Presidents
and Secretaries, which reads like a 'Who's Who' of educational leadership. When you
consider the nature and calibre of those involved with ACE in South Australia it is little
wonder that our state has always had such a standing within the broader, national
College structure. In mentioning some of these leaders, of course, there is always the
danger that someone of influence will be left out. None the less it is still important to
acknowledge the leadership shown by our first office bearers, Father Michael Scott, Alby
Jones and Ruth Gibson, in the formative days of our Chapter. Their leadership and vision,
followed by that of others in the first decade such as Doug Anders and Ted Mulvihill,
provided the foundation upon which we have built a crucially important organisation.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the archives team, including James Dwyer, Jan Lokan,
Tony McGuire, Robin Ryan and Tony Ryan for producing such a wonderful publication.

Wendy Teasdale-Smith
Former President, ACE (SA) November 2009