We are pleased to introduce the new co-directors of the Whittlsea Tech School. At the begining of February Dr Sandra McKechnie and Dr Stefan Schutt joined us in sharing the role of Whittlesea Directors. Together they have an impressive skill set and hold a passion for creating opportunities for young people.Sandra McKechnie is a science educator with greater than twenty years’ of collective experience in teaching, research and educational management in the tertiary sector, Victorian Secondary Schools and as the co-founder and Manager of a STEM based education consultancy. Sandra is passionate about education practice that transforms the lives of our young people and impacts positively on the community. Sandra has extensive expertise in areas such as Biotech bringing a depth of knowledge and connection to the partnership and area.
Stefan Schutt’s teaching and research looks at how people use technology, especially young people, communities and those living with disadvantage. Stefan has led university research programs and has won national awards for projects including The Lab (www.thelab.org.aiu), a national network of technology clubs for young people with autism. Stefan’s background is as an Internet industry project manager, developer and writer and has a particular passion for the community of the North of Melbourne.
Sandra and Stefan will work closely with Skylie Massignham, -director of the Banyule Nillumbik Tech School and Marc Blanks in his role as Executive Director across both Tech Schools. This group will form a leadership team which brings tremendous knowledge and experience in STEAM, education and entrepreneurialism to the Tech Schools partnership.
We look forward to working with Sandra and Stefan in this role as the Whittlesea Tech School develops.