Jodie Davey began her teaching career in 1992 as an enthusiastic 20-year-old, fresh out of university and full of energy. Her first posting was in a small country town in South Australia, where she spent four wonderful years teaching in primary schools. Though teaching wasn't something she had seriously considered during high school, she quickly discovered a deep passion for the profession. The classroom felt like home.In her fifth year of teaching, Jodie was posted to a city school where she took on the role of Curriculum Leader-her first experience in leadership. Just six months later, Jodie was invited to step in as Acting Deputy Principal for the remainder of the year.Over the following years, Jodie continued classroom teaching across a diverse range of settings: international schools, Catholic schools, state schools, and independent schools, in both primary and secondary environments. Each experience enriched her practice and deepened her understanding of teaching and learning. Although she held several leadership positions during this time, her heart remained in the classroom. Then one day, Jodie began to see leadership through a new lens. No longer was it about stepping away from the classroom she loved but it was an opportunity to extend her impact. Jodie realised that by leading and supporting other educators, she could indirectly influence the learning and lives of many more students. This was her lightbulb moment. Over the next twelve years, Jodie embraced a variety of leadership roles: Assistant Principal, Curriculum Adviser, Director of Teacher Performance and Development, and now, more than three decades after stepping into her first classroom, Jodie Davey is an Education Consultant in her business-Powerful Partnerships-where she works extensively in coaching roles with individuals, schools and education systems. In 2011, Jodie completed a Master of Educational Leadership, focusing her research on building the capacity of others. Through that study, she discovered the potential of coaching and mentoring, coming to believe that when we get coaching and mentoring right, we unlock transformative growth for educators and the students they serve.
From whole school professional learning, team and executive level coaching, Jodie's expertise has been a game-changer. Staff have grown in confidence as collaborators and have developed strategic thinking and through Jodie's work, positively impacted school culture and wellbeing as a team! (Allison Edmonds) Jodie Davey has played a significant role in my professional growth for over a decade. Jodie has an exceptional ability to ask the right questions at just the right moment - prompting deep reflection and ultimately helping me improve my practice. (Megan Worthington) I would not be the teacher I am today had it not been for Jodie's kindness and compassion and her guidance and leadership. I am not sure I would even be in the classroom at all had it not been for Jodie's mentorship. (Kelly McBean) Having a mentor like Jodie in the early stages of my teaching career was essential to my success and wellbeing. Young teachers need a space where they can have open conversations about pedagogy, behaviour management, parent relationships, and organisational strategies, without the fear of judgement. (Nikki Dunn)