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Reflecting on her career, McDonald said education had never felt like work.<\/p>\n
“There’s no difference to me between work and non-work. It’s a way of giving service back to our young people, really,” she said.<\/p>\n
“They’re the ones we invest heavily into and want to see go on to bigger things”<\/p>\n
In her current role, McDonald helps guide curriculum, innovation, professional learning and classroom practice across the Diocese of Lismore’s school network.<\/p>\n
She said much of the work occurred behind the scenes to support teachers and students.<\/p>\n
“The front line is the teacher with the student in the classroom,” she said.<\/p>\n
“But sitting behind that teacher is all of the administration and development of what’s coming next, ensuring that we’re meeting standards and expectations for parents and the community.”<\/p>\n
She also serves on the Academic Advisory Board for the Education Faculty at Southern Cross University, where she is involved in initiatives aimed at preparing the next generation of teachers.<\/p>\n
She said partnerships between schools and universities were helping bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice.<\/p>\n
McDonald will formally receive her award at a ceremony at Government House in Sydney later this year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AFTER decades dedicated to shaping young minds and supporting teachers, Michele McDonald has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to education. McDonald, who lives at Skennars Head, has helped deliver education programs, particularly through leadership roles across Catholic schools across northern NSW. While she is yet to learn […]<\/p>\n