Prepare for a career that drives meaningful change
The Master of Education (Leadership in Aboriginal Education) at the University of Sydney equips educators with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive systemic change, support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and build inclusive school environments. Through this program, students develop a deep understanding of culturally responsive teaching, equitable policy-making, and the importance of Aboriginal ways of being, knowing, and doing. Developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ communities, the program’s curriculum integrates theoretical and practical elements, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world contexts.
Transforming education from the ground up
Kristy Faulkner, a Senior Education Officer and Strategic Delivery Advisor in the NSW Department of Education and a recent graduate, was inspired to join the Master of Education (Leadership in Aboriginal Education) program after completing the Bachelor of Education (Aboriginal: Secondary) at University of Sydney through the Koori Centres block program.
Reflecting on the program's impact, she shares, “My role allows me to create meaningful change in my community every single day. And the content that was researched and discussed in the course aligned so well.” The topics covered in the program, such as culturally responsive teaching, culturally safe schools, and strategies to support Aboriginal students, have had a direct influence on her daily work.
“This program has supported me to be a driver in my community to create equitable educational change.” She adds “It has given me the knowledge and education, as well as the confidence to speak to policy and systems to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal students.”
When asked what advice she would give to those considering enrolling in the program, Kristy is emphatic. “I have and will continue to encourage any Aboriginal people, especially teachers, to enroll in the program to not only empower themselves in the educational setting but to empower and strengthen a system to ensure our Aboriginal children feel safe, their cultural identity respected and our communities involved in change in schools.”
This program has supported me to be a driver in my community to create equitable educational change. It has given me the knowledge and education, as well as the confidence to speak to policy and systems to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal students
Kristy Faulkner
Senior Education Officer and Strategic Delivery Advisor, NSW Department of Education
“This program has supported me to be a driver in my community to create equitable educational change. It has given me the knowledge and education, as well as the confidence to speak to policy and systems to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal students”Kristy Faulkner
Senior Education Officer and Strategic Delivery Advisor, NSW Department of Education
Building connections and driving collaboration
For Lucy Howard-Shibuya, a graduate of the program and an educator passionate about Aboriginal cultures and histories, the degree has been life-changing. “I have always been interested in learning about Aboriginal Cultures and histories” She explains “At the time I was developing Aboriginal on-Country immersion programs at the school I was teaching at and really felt like I needed to learn more and do more in this very important educational space.”
The program not only deepened her understanding but also inspired her to create lasting community partnerships. One of her most impactful projects involved building a connection between her inner-city Sydney school and a remote rural school on Yuwaalaraay Country in Goodooga. The intercultural partnership, which has been running successfully since 2020, provides on-Country learning and fosters reciprocal collaboration, with both schools walking together.
Lucy credits the degree with expanding her ability to challenge workplace practices and influence education policies. “The depth of reading, discussion, and research we undertook was outstanding,” she notes. “This degree taught me that its ok to challenge the dominant viewpoint and to be uncomfortable- especially when it comes to truth telling.”
This degree taught me that its ok to challenge the dominant viewpoint and to be uncomfortable- especially when it comes to truth telling.
Lucy Howard-Shibuya
Graduate of the Master of Education (Leadership in Aboriginal Education) and Educator
“This degree taught me that its ok to challenge the dominant viewpoint and to be uncomfortable- especially when it comes to truth telling.”Lucy Howard-Shibuya
Graduate of the Master of Education (Leadership in Aboriginal Education) and Educator
Contribute to a more inclusive future
A key outcome of the program is its ability to prepare educators to lead efforts for equity and inclusion. “This degree teaches you to see through a different lens,” Lucy explains. “It highlights the importance of acknowledging Aboriginal ways of knowing and being, which are often overlooked in Western education systems. It’s incredibly exciting to work in this space during a time when so much change is happening.”
Kristy agrees, emphasising the program’s role in shaping a more equitable education system. “It empowers educators to create safe, inclusive environments where Aboriginal students feel respected and their cultural identity is celebrated,” she says. “It’s about building a system that supports all students while fostering a culture of truth-telling and understanding.”
The Master of Education (Leadership in Aboriginal Education) is a unique and transformative program designed for teachers who want to enhance educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Graduates of this program become specialists in leading initiatives aimed at improving these students' educational experiences and achievements.