The DLTV Outstanding Leader of the Year Award acknowledges the work of educational leaders and innovators and recognises significant advocacy, support and promotion of the use of ICT in education. Candidates will have had a distinguished career and proven inspirational achievement in leading ICT in the education community.

This may include their work in:

• Achieving excellence in digital learning innovation and development and work tirelessly to improve the quality of education

• Assisting in the building of partnerships to advance the use of digital learning in education (e.g. school and community partnerships, school and industry partnerships).

• Planning, developing and implementing programs to advance digital learning in education.

• Providing advocacy for digital learning in education to the extent that their work is used as a model for others.

• Serving as a catalyst for policy change and development in ICT in education.

• Nurturing and mentoring individuals, groups and/or associations to enhance the use of digital learning in education.

• Conducting research and/or writing about digital learning in education.

• Inspiring others to strive for excellence.

Recognition

The winner of the award will receive:

• An award presented at the next DLTV state conference, DigiCon.
• Individual membership to DLTV for one year
• Nomination as Victoria's nominee for the ACCE Leader of the Year
• A letter of Recognition

Selection Process

The selection committee for the award will consist of a panel designated by the DLTV Committee of Management and will consider the submission according to the award criteria.

Eligibility

Nominees must be based in a educational institution and considered a member of the staff of that institution.

Submission Process

Nominations should be submitted via the link below by 9 October 2026. Submissions for awards should be restricted to the below criteria. 

Application should include:

• Cover Letter (1 page)
• Nomination Statement (2 pages maximum(2 pages maximum)
• Curriculum Vitae (1 page)
• Letters of Recommendation (minimum of 2) 
• An additional 4 pages can elaborate on any of the above. (Anything more than 4 pages will not be considered as part of the application)

Criteria for Selection

Candidates should submit an application that contains a brief curriculum vitae. The evidence should show that the applicant is respected as a leader and innovator to the benefit of ICT in education. The evidence should be organised under the following headings:

• Significant positive impact on technology use in education locally, regionally, state-wide, nationally, worldwide.
• Involves the community in an initiative or program to facilitate partnerships with business and/or legislative initiatives to advance the use of technology in education.
• Works tirelessly to genuinely improve the quality of education.
• Integrates deliberate planning in an effort to improve education through the use of technology.
• Education and/or work experience has been significantly advanced in the nominee's workplace as a result of the nominee's efforts.
• Active member of professional organisations.
• Contributed to the profession by presenting at professional conferences, seminars and/or workshops or publishing articles in print or through electronic media.
• Work can be used as a model.
• Work reflects the mission and purpose of DLTV.
• Will represent DLTV well in all forums.