Teachers' Professional Association of Victoria

Our Executive

How we are run

The TPAV executive structure is different to other competitors. Our elected executive consists of a President, Vice-President and Treasurer who must all be educators. These executive members make all policy decisions for TPAV.

The Secretary is appointed by the executive under the constitution and does not make policy decisions. Instead, the Secretary sees to the day-to-day operations of the organisation on behalf of the executive.

Your executive

Meet the people who run TPAV

Scott Stanford
President

Scott Stanford

Scott has been working in education for over 20 years. Throughout his career, he has held various roles in a number of secondary settings in both the independent and Catholic sectors, ranging from Classroom Teacher to Faculty and Department Head, Head of Boarding House, and Director of Sport.

Scott has completed a Masters of Educational Leadership and throughout his career has been part of external organisations such as the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, Australian Boarding Schools Association, Business Educators Association of QLD and has been an active member in many community organisations which saw him awarded the 2016 Australia Day award in recognition for the valued community service in the Electorate of Lilly.

Throughout his career Scott has always been a proactive advocate for Teacher and school staff conditions and rights, and has always been an active member of the staff association in the schools he has worked in – often being a mentor to the new staff when they come into the organisation.

Scott is very excited to be the National Co-ordinator of the Teachers Professional Association and looks forward to working with the state secretaries to continue to advocate for fairness and equality with a goal for providing the best possible education setting for all.

Deanne Durst
Vice President

Deanne Durst

With over a decade of experience in the field of education and a recent focus on serving as a Disability Inclusion Leader, Deanne has developed a deep understanding of the widespread challenges within our educational organisation. “I believe the existing organisational framework is antiquated and lacks alignment with its intended purpose. We find ourselves struggling with inadequate resources, insufficient preparedness, diminished compensation, and excessive work demands. The expectations are high, and the current environment lacks essential support.”

As a mother of three, two of whom struggle with learning difficulties, disabilities, and mental health concerns, Deanne fully comprehends the complexities faced by both educators and students in the classroom. Her vision entails creating a system that is abundantly resourced, affording educators the necessary tools to effectively support students. This includes the flexibility required to address the diverse needs of children without subjecting educators and students to an overwhelming workload, fostering a conducive work/life balance for all stakeholders.

Deanne aspires to restore the joy of teaching and learning, establishing an environment where trust and integrity hold paramount significance. “My decision to join the TPAV stemmed from a misalignment of values, where the agenda sought was to conform the school's trajectory to standardized departmental directives. I called out the questionable behaviours exhibited within the region. TPAV has been an invaluable ally. The investment in my TPAV membership stands as the most valuable investment I have made to my professional self.”

Edward Schuller
State Secretary

Edward Schuller

As the Secretary of the TPAQ, Edward is involved in various aspects of the Red Union's operations. He has long been passionate about improving the quality of education in Australia, and firmly believes that this is only possible once our teachers are being properly supported.

Edward knows the immense experience, quality and care that educators in our state have to offer. He’s steadfast in his belief that teachers and parents are the best educators, not bureaucrats.

Edward places great importance on the power of local communities backing in their teachers and supporting them to build the best possible classroom environment for quality education.

He is looking forward to working closely with thousands of teachers across our state in his capacity as the TPAQ Secretary and will continue to advocate for schools to be run locally.

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