The Bulletin magazine has named Executive Director of Schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, Greg Whitby, as the nation’s smartest, most innovative and creative person working in education in Australia today.

Greg was selected from a shortlist of 10 finalists as the winner of the education category of the 2007 Bulletin Smart 100 list. The winners were announced by The Bulletin’s Editor in Chief, John Lehmann on 19 June and published in the 20 June edition of The Bulletin.

Greg with judge Hedley Beare

Greg is extremely honoured by the win and said it was a tribute to all of the outstanding people he had worked with throughout his 33-year career.

“This award shines a spotlight on all the work going on in our schools today and the educators out there who are being creative, daring to be different, willing to experiment and eager to learn,” he said.

“The award is not about an individual person. It is the product of collaboration, co-operation and a shared determination to find the best ways for young people to learn today.”

Greg is well known for his vision and leadership in the fields of 21st Century schooling and new technologies in education. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leadership.

“If our schools want to be relevant for kids, we need to enter the world they inhabit – the digital world. This means we need to rethink the way our schools are built, the types of tools we use, how we go about teaching, and how we go about the whole learning process,” Greg said.

“More and more people are connected by technology so it doesn’t matter where you are physically, you can learn anywhere, any way, any time.

“The mantra of today’s younger generations is my time, my place, my content. Young people don’t want to be put into a classroom and talked at; they want to be actively involved in their own learning.”

Greg said the key to successful 21st Century schooling was engaging students in personalised learning. “We are challenged to think creatively; technology is just one learning tool available.

“It is about taking the best from traditional models of schooling and incorporating it with today’s capabilities to create a powerful learning experience.

“When we actively engage students where they are at, that is using digital media, we find they reconnect with school and many behavioural problems diminish.”

Greg said the announcement of the award was an opportunity to thank the many people working in education who were committed to providing quality, meaningful learning experiences for young people.

“This award reaffirms that we are on the right track in our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta. The work we are doing for our young people is highly valued by the wider community, and I am grateful for the enormous support I have received from fellow educators, parents and students, which is very encouraging and humbling.