SHARON SCHIMMING

Sharon Schimming is the Associate Director-General of Early Childhood and State Schools with the Department of Education, Queensland.

She has more than 30 years experience in education, including more than 20 years as a principal. She has also held the positions of Regional Director for North Queensland, and Deputy Director-General Early Childhood and Educational Improvement.

Sharon currently leads the design and delivery of strategic reforms across the department in partnership with stakeholders from all educational sectors, cross-agency steering groups, and non-government organisations to deliver on government priorities and improve outcomes for Queensland children and students.

She has represented the Queensland Department of Education on a range of national and state consultations, internal and external Boards, and government working parties. Sharon has successfully led negotiations with state and territory Regulatory Authorities and the Australian Government to effectively revise and streamline legislative and regulatory frameworks that support the ongoing reform agenda.

With over 30 years’ experience in the Queensland public service, Sharon continues to provide high levels of strategic leadership in the development and implementation of a range of state-wide systemic initiatives that have improved outcomes for Queensland’s children – from early childhood development through to high school.