ReLATE National Program Director Wins National Education Award

Justin Roberts, ReLATE National Program Director, has been included in the prestigious 2024 Most Influential Educators Award, a comprehensive roundup highlighting the best in the education industry. The Educator’s Most Influential Educator searches for Australia’s outstanding education leaders and changemakers who are recognised for their contributions to the education industry and have demonstrated the innovation and creativity needed to drive the industry forward.

Here at The MacKillop Institute Justin leads our ReLATE program as National Program Director. Justin is an inclusive education expert. His experiences as a teacher in mainstream education have fostered a desire to see education that meets the needs of all students.

"Students who struggle to engage at school possess much wisdom, if we are able to listen and willing to learn. Disengaged children and young people are not 'the problem', they are 'the answer' to creating a more safe, engaged and inclusive education system, and ultimately, a more just society."

National Program Director, ReLATE - Justin Roberts

Justin has over 15 years’ of experience as a teacher and leader in both mainstream and specialist schools, including as a Principal and Deputy Executive Principal at MacKillop Education Schools.

He was a key contributor to the formation, development, and implementation of the ReLATE Education Model which originally started in MacKillop Education specialist schools. The school’s success, and its positive impact on student outcomes, would see the opening of new campuses and the offering of ReLATE externally.

Justin has provided professional learning to educators across Australia. His knowledge and experience in working with children and young people, informs his passion for the development and implementation of inclusive education and collaborative leadership.

The ReLATE model

Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments (ReLATE) is a research and trauma-informed education model that provides a blueprint for schools to create supportive environments for teaching and improved student learning and wellbeing.