Edwina Dohle appointed Chief Executive Officer of Teach For Australia

The Board of education charity, Teach For Australia has today announced the appointment of Edwina Dohle as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1.

As an experienced leader of systemic education reform and a Teach For Australia Alum, Edwina brings unparalleled expertise in addressing educational disadvantage.

Teach For Australia Chair, Patrick Forth said that after a comprehensive national search, the Board unanimously agreed that Edwina’s unique experience made her the ideal candidate to lead the charity.

“Edwina brings a bold vision with extensive leadership experience, commercial acumen and a proven track record of delivering results,” Mr Forth said.

“Edwina’s deep understanding of the education landscape’s challenges and opportunities ensures the Board’s full confidence in her ability to lead Teach For Australia into its next chapter. We look forward to continuing our mission to advance educational equity under her guidance.”

Ms Dohle’s career with Teach For Australia began as a participant in the inaugural cohort of the Leadership Development Program in 2010, teaching in a community facing disadvantage in northern Melbourne.

Since then, she has held influential senior positions across the Australian Public Service, including positions driving systemic education and social reform across the departments of Education, Social Services, the Treasury and Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In a range of Senior Executive Service positions, Edwina has led large and diverse teams through substantial change, showcasing exceptional leadership skills.

In 2023, she also joined the Teach For Australia Board, helping to shape the organisation’s strategic direction, ensure sustainability and deepen its impact.

“It is an incredible honour to step into the CEO role at Teach For Australia. As a member of the first cohort, the charity’s Leadership Development Program inspired, challenged and changed me indelibly,” Ms Dohle said.

“I have seen and experienced how Teach For Australia attracts and supports exceptional individuals to thrive in the classroom and catalyse change in communities across Australia.

“I am passionate about expanding the reach and impact of Teach for Australia, to ensure every child has access to an education that inspires and unlocks their full potential.

“I’m excited to work alongside the Board, staff and our talented Associates, Alumni and partners to write the next chapter of Teach for Australia’s story.”

In making the announcement, Mr Forth paid tribute to Teach For Australia’s Founder and outgoing CEO, Melodie Potts Rosevear OAM, for her visionary leadership since the charity’s establishment in 2009

“On behalf of the Board and everyone at Teach For Australia, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Melodie who has led us through multiple rounds of funding and has spearheaded our geographic expansion, programmatic growth and innovation. She leaves behind a thriving organisation and an important legacy of challenging educational inequity.”

Melodie said her “heart was full” as she hands over the CEO reins to Edwina, given her deep integrity, connection, and alignment with TFA’s educational vision of every child having greater choice for their future.

“Leading Teach For Australia has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together from our early days to the thriving national community of educators and change-makers we are today – the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Melodie said.

“As I prepare to hand over the baton to Edwina, I’m certain her vision, experience, and dedication will ensure that Teach For Australia continues to drive systemic change centered on students who deserve every chance and empowers the next generation of equity-driven educational leaders.”

– ENDS –

Short biography

Edwina Dohle
Incoming Chief Executive Officer, Teach For Australia

Edwina has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Teach For Australia effective May 1. Edwina commenced her career as a teacher working in a school experiencing disadvantage as part of Teach For Australia’s first cohort.

She has over 10 years’ experience in senior positions within the public service, including at the Department of Education, with demonstrated success engaging with federal, state and territory governments to implement major education transformation.

Edwina holds a Master of Teaching (Secondary), a Postgraduate Diploma of Teaching through Teach For Australia and a Bachelor of Arts/Laws (Honours), all from the University of Melbourne.

She has also been a Teach For Australia Board member since 2023. Edwina is an avid hiker, most recently summiting Mt Kilimanjaro.

Media contact: Saraya Musovic, Media and External Affairs Manager, 0407 091 383, saraya.musovic@teachforaustralia.org