Sign In

Zoe Wood

Director of Education in Faith at Emmaus College

Professional Background

Zoe Wood is a dynamic and dedicated educator based in Melbourne, Victoria, who embodies a deep enthusiasm for Catholic education. With a career that spans multiple roles in teaching, leadership, and curriculum development, Zoe has distinguished herself as an innovator and a passionate advocate dedicated to enriching the faith and spiritual development of students. Her recent involvement in the Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM) team, supported by the Archdiocese of Fulham (AOFE), highlights her commitment to modernizing faith-based education, particularly through the creation and delivery of resources that facilitated Melbourne schools’ participation in the 2020 Plenary Council.

In her current position as the Director of Education in Faith at Emmaus College, Zoe is on a mission to create engaging learning experiences that resonate with the contemporary educational landscape. Driven by a commitment to enhance the relevance of learning in areas such as faith, spirituality, history, and social justice, she plays a pivotal role in implementing the new Religious Education (RE) Framework alongside the Pedagogy of Encounter. Zoe’s work within this structure reflects her alignment with the Horizons of Hope Framework, which aims to enrich the Catholic identity of schools through innovative and meaningful educational practices.

Prior to her current role, Zoe garnered extensive experience in the middle school sector. Serving as Head of Middle School at Mercy College since 2017 and Year 9 Coordinator from 2015-2016, she developed robust pastoral care skills and actively contributed to shaping the student experience. Within this environment, she embraced opportunities to inspire student engagement across a variety of initiatives including co-curricular activities, social justice efforts, and fostering positive relationships.

Zoe also led the Arts department at Mercy College from 2012 to 2014, where she made an indelible impact by promoting a comprehensive Arts curriculum. Zoe firmly believes in the vital role of the Arts in education, seeing them as not only a means of fostering creativity but also as tools for developing critical thinking skills and promoting student connection to school. Her advocacy for the Arts is rooted in the belief that exposure to artistic expression is crucial in shaping empathetic and socially responsible citizens.

Throughout her career, Zoe has focused on building positive and supportive relationships with students, staff, and parents. She dedicates significant time and energy to understanding the personal journeys of those within her care, all while exploring new strategies to provide tailored support to her students and team. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive community ensures that every individual feels valued and understood.

Education and Achievements

Zoe Wood possesses a strong academic background that underpins her educational philosophy and professional endeavors. Her educational qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Religious Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, both from the distinguished Australian Catholic University. Furthermore, she has completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Curriculum Leadership at the University of Melbourne, enriching her knowledge in effective curriculum development and pedagogical strategies.

Zoe holds a Bachelor of Education, specializing in Secondary Teaching from Monash University, which equips her with the foundational teaching skills necessary for fostering student success. Additionally, her background in Arts is further strengthened by her Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre from Federation University Australia, allowing her to incorporate a diverse range of creative pedagogies into her teaching practices.

Her strong educational foundation has not only enriched her own teaching but has also positioned her as a thought leader in curriculum development, particularly in the realm of religious education.

Achievements

  • Catholic Education Melbourne Involvement: Zoe's recent participation in the CEM team specifically aimed at resource development for the 2020 Plenary Council showcases her dedication to integrating faith and modern educational practices, impacting numerous schools across the Melbourne area.
  • Head of Middle School and Year 9 Coordinator: In these roles at Mercy College, she worked passionately to cultivate a nurturing and encouraging environment for students, underscoring the importance of pastoral care and community involvement among students.
  • Director of Education in Faith: In her current leadership role, Zoe continues to influence the landscape of religious education by implementing innovative frameworks and strategies that facilitate engaging and relevant faith-based learning.
  • Head of Arts: During her tenure at Mercy College, her support for the Arts curriculum allowed students to embrace creativity and critical thinking, fostering an inclusive environment where all students could express themselves and grow.
  • Community Engagement: Zoe’s ability to forge strong relationships with students, staff, and parents is testament to her interpersonal skills and commitment to creating a supportive school community that enriches the educational experience.

Zoe Wood stands out as an exemplary figure in education, committed not only to professional development but also to the spiritual and personal growth of her students. Her dedication to Catholic education, combined with her extensive experience and thoughtful approach to curriculum development, serves to inspire her community, shaping the leaders of tomorrow. As she continues her journey in education, Zoe remains an advocate for making faith, spirituality, and social justice relevant in modern educational contexts.

Related Questions

How did Zoe Wood develop her passion for Catholic education?
What innovative strategies has Zoe Wood implemented in her current role as Director of Education in Faith?
How does Zoe Wood integrate music ministry into her educational practices?
What impact has Zoe Wood had on students during her tenure as Head of Middle School at Mercy College?
How does Zoe Wood utilize the Horizons of Hope Framework to enhance the Catholic profile of her school?
Zoe Wood
Add to my network

Location

Hampton Park, Victoria, Australia