JANE SIMMONS
Executive director, public schools NSW
NSW Department of Education
Jane Simmons began her career in education as a music teacher almost 30 years ago. Since that time, she’s made a substantial contribution to education across NSW. After taking on senior roles within schools, including deputy principal and principal, Simmons moved into wider leadership positions, including school education director and then regional director in Northern Sydney. Based on her ability to drive whole-system improvement, she was selected as executive director in the newly established Learning and Leadership Directorate in the NSW Education Department, responsible for statewide policy development and implementation of early learning, primary and secondary education, and arts and sports programs in the state’s 2,200 public schools. Additionally, she is executive producer of the Schools Spectacular, a prestigious annual event showcasing the talents of more than 5,500 NSW students.