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Our Mission
We exist to inspire and guide schools toward impactful, contemporary educational practices that prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Our commitment to you is to provide high-quality professional development, consultancy, association membership, and coaching services that support your growth and success. Through co-creation and collaboration, we aim to help your school thrive in a contemporary world by fostering environments where students develop the skills and dispositions, they need for the future. Guided by the Contemporary Learning Framework, this collaborative approach will contribute to a positive impact on student engagement and outcomes, creating a dynamic environment that attracts greater interest and support. Parents will gain confidence in the readiness of their children for the future, while staff will experience a deeper sense of fulfillment in their roles and contributions to the school’s success. All of this is underpinned by our dedication to transparency, accountability, and respect for diversity, ensuring that student & staff well-being and holistic development remain at the heart of our work together.
We will ask you the tough questions. We will support you in your transformation. We will reflect with you. We will walk with you on this journey. We will hold you accountable. We will celebrate your milestones, together.
Recognised for Impact
Melissa Evans, Co-founder of EduShift Collective, has been recognised as one of The Educator's Most Influential Educators 2026.
This national recognition reflects Mel's commitment to supporting schools, leaders and educators to create learning experiences that better prepare young people for the future.
Services
We offer a variety of services to support your schools on the journey of contemporary transformation.
EduShift Consulting
EduShift Learning
EduShift Community
EduShift Coaching
EduShift Consulting helps schools plan for the future with a focus on creating modern learning environments, strategic visioning, and strong governance, all based on our contemporary learning Framework. We also run professional development days to support educators in transforming their practice and bringing fresh ideas to life.
EduShift Coaching helps educators thrive by focusing on their strengths and growth. Through strength profiling, we uncover hidden potential and build confidence for meaningful impact. We provide tailored mentoring and coaching for middle and executive leaders, supporting their growth and leadership journey. From designing professional learning frameworks to guiding reflective reviews and appraisals, we’re here to empower educators at every level.
EduShift Learning brings educators together to explore and innovate. We offer contemporary learning tours, innovators’ retreats, and engaging professional development days. From the EduShift Conference to teach meets and webinars, we create spaces for collaboration, fresh ideas, and inspiration to transform education.
The EduShift Community is coming soon! Designed to connect and inspire, it will offer a network for members, exclusive publications, and discounts on EduShift events and partner opportunities. It’s your go-to hub for collaboration, resources, and support in driving educational transformation.
Meet the Team
Meet our Co-Founders driving transformative change in schools around the world.
Co-Founder
Derek Bartels
Derek Bartels is a prominent figure in educational innovation in Australia, known for his transformative work in contemporary learning, schooling and pedagogical practices across school sectors. Through roles in innovation and learning, Derek has led initiatives to modernise learning spaces and transform contemporary learning for decades. Derek with colleagues have toured and immersed hundreds of leaders and educators in showcase schools across the world to enable awareness and buy-in.
Derek's influence extends to his role as a Country Lead for HundrED, a global Finnish organisation dedicated to identifying and sharing impactful educational innovations. He has been instrumental in connecting educators worldwide, promoting innovative practices, and contributing to global educational discourse. In recognition of his leadership and vision, Derek was appointed as the Chair-Elect for Learning Environments Australasia. His position underscores his commitment to enhancing educational spaces and fostering collaboration among educators and designers.
Throughout his career, Derek has been a driving force behind the adoption of contemporary pedagogical practices, the design of innovative learning environments, and whole-school transformation. His passion for future-focused education continues to inspire educational communities both in Australia and globally.
Co-Founder
Melissa Evans
Melissa (Mel) is a dynamic leader, coach, and consultant with decades of experience empowering individuals and teams to thrive. Known for her creativity, innovation, and relational collaboration, she guides organisations and individuals in adopting practices that foster growth, adaptability, and success.
With leadership experience across P-12 schools in student care, curriculum design, and school-wide transformation, Mel brings a wealth of expertise to her work. After a successful career in school leadership, she has recently embraced a new challenge, pivoting to a leadership role in the edtech sector, broadening her impact by supporting schools in innovative and future-focused learning.
Mel is an internationally accredited Strengths Profile coach, passionate about unlocking potential through strengths-based leadership. With a deep understanding of positive psychology, professional growth, and team dynamics, she supports educators and organisations in building thriving, future-focused workplaces.
A sought-after facilitator and coach, Mel is committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and impact across education and leadership.