The Board and Directors 2026

Dr John Nicholas Saunders – President

Initially a Drama, English and History teacher, John has worked in primary, secondary, tertiary, and juvenile justice contexts in Queensland and New South Wales.  He is currently the Assistant Dean of Learning: Teacher Growth and Development at Ambrose Treacy College in Brisbane, where he also teaches English and Drama.

John continues as AAAE’s President.

He says “I am a passionate advocate for teachers and teacher professional associations.  Our member organisations play a central role in supporting teachers through professional learning, resources, publications, mentoring and so much more.  But they also advocate for teachers at a national level. I hope that AAAE can continue to play an even more significant role at a national level representing our member associations, and ultimately, every Australian teacher.”    

John is currently Vice-President of Drama Australia, and Chair of the National Advocates for Arts Education (NAAE). John also teaches in initial teacher education at Griffith University, Queensland. He recently completed his PhD exploring the impact of creative and embodied pedagogy in developing literacy and engagement in students at the University of Sydney, where he is also an Honorary Associate.

Allan Dougan – Vice President: Finance (Treasurer)

Allan joined the AAAE Board in 2022 and continues as a director. He is the Chief Executive Officer of The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT).

Allan started his career as a Secondary Mathematics teacher in Scotland. As a celebrated teacher in Scotland, he held various leadership positions in schools and was Scottish Teacher of the Year Runner Up. After moving to Australia, Allan quickly proved himself as a teacher of merit holding positions of middle and senior leadership in NSW schools. Before joining The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT) in December 2020, Allan was Global Head of Education for a large EdTech company–a role that saw Allan present professional learning across the globe and develop a strong knowledge of current and emerging educational practices and pedagogies worldwide. Allan is passionate about relational and relevant mathematics education which helps young people see the beauty and purpose of learning mathematics.

Allan believes that professional associations play a significantly important role in being the conjugate between policy and practice in schools. He reflects “Teachers look to professional associations for impartial advice and best-practice support on all areas of classroom practice and school operations from curriculum to pedagogy. Professional Associations help policymakers to have a deep understanding of the education landscape. The importance of the role that Professional Associations play must not be understated.”

Dr Katina Zammit – Vice President: Administration (Secretary) 

Katina is the current President of the Australia Literacy Educators Association (ALEA). She works in the School of Education, Western Sydney University where she leads the accreditation of initial teacher education programs, teaches in primary English/ Literacy pedagogy, student engagement and teaching and learning in challenging contexts, and undertakes research alongside teachers to improve student learning outcomes in English.

Katina joined the AAAE board in 2022 and continues as Secretary.

Reflecting on the benefits of being a part of AAAE, Katina commented: “Working together across disciplines towards changing teaching practices provides the opportunity to build collaboration with and between teachers, associations as well as advocacy for all disciplines.”

 

Debbie Perrett

Director

During Debbie’s 35 years of teaching she has worked in remote, rural, regional and city schools as a teacher, subject area co-ordinator, head of department, RTO Manager and acting Deputy Principal.  Since retiring she has been mentoring pre-service teachers in her role as a facilitator for University of Queensland, conducts student Business Management programs both for students in Brisbane and regional areas, worked at Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority in the Vocational Education and Training section and sessional work at Griffith University.

“I have a strong belief that all students are entitled to and deserve to receive the best education possible.  The work of AAAE is important in supporting and advocating for teachers and associations across disciplines at a national level.  This includes considering the wellbeing and conditions of teachers to ensure they are able to deliver quality education to all students.”

Debbie is the current President of Business Educators’ Australasia Inc. (BEA).

Susan Chapman

Director

Dr Susan Chapman is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice at the Queensland University of Technology. She has worked as an actor and musician, gained a Research Fellowship in STEAM at Griffith University, and taught the Arts in primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. Her publications focus on integrated interdisciplinary learning using an Arts Immersion approach to develop critical and creative thinking and to foster wellbeing and inclusive education. She is on the national executive committee for the Australian Teacher Education Association and utilises arts-based presentation strategies.

On joining AAAE in 2025, Susan says “It is exciting to be part of an active group of educators who believe in supporting the great work that teachers are doing and challenging assumptions that diminish learning and teaching. I am focused on how we can contribute to making education a better experience for teachers and students.”

Susan is on the board of Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA).

Catherine Baron

Director

With over 30 years in public education, predominately in low ICSEA schools, Catherine is a strong advocate for equitable and quality education, firmly believing in the importance of supporting teachers to do amazing things – teaching is definitely the most important job in the world!

Catherine has been the History Teachers Association of WA President for nearly ten years and the National President of the History Teachers Association Australia for five years. She works full time as a High School Principal, is a Board Member of the Professional Teachers Council WA, Treasurer of a local community centre and is the Coordinator of the Australian History Competition. She supports teachers through the development of free teacher resources and delivering professional learning both at a state and national level. In 2021 she won the Western Australian Director of Education ‘Woman of Achievement ‘ Award and sees this as a shared recognition of the hard work of the HTAWA team.

Catherine is excited to join the AAAE board in 2025 as she sees it as an opportunity to advocate and make a difference for teachers across the curriculum as with a stronger teaching profession we create better outcomes for Australian students.