FOUNDER AND CHAIR

Dr Nathaniel Swain is a Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Writer. He produces a blog for teachers called Dr Swain’s Cognitorium and is co-host of the Chalk Dust Podcast with Rebecca Birch. Nathaniel works directly with schools and systems and through an online learning platform called Luminary.

Having worked at Universities and Government School Systems in Victoria, Australia, Nathaniel has taught a range of learners in schools and tertiary settings. Dr Swain founded a community of teachers committed to the Science of Learning: THINK FORWARD EDUCATORS, now 30,000 members and growing. Dr Swain is a sought after speaker on educational circuits, and has a best-selling book entitled “Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success stories to help kickstart your school improvement”.

CEO

Educator and CEO of Think Forward Educators. An experienced teacher and presenter, leading partnerships and professional learning, including the Think Forward Educators Writing Network. Jeanette is the Australian representative for No More Marking, supporting schools to implement comparative judgement in writing assessment. Her work focuses on strengthening curriculum and improving student outcomes at scale, with a focus on equity. Jeanette is part of the Snow Foundation Entrepreneurial Fund 2025 cohort and holds a Professional Certificate in Clinical Teaching and a Master’s in Instructional Leadership.

Email: jeanette@thinkforwardeducators.org

BOARD MEMBER

Katie is Managing Director of Teach Well. She began her career as a primary school teacher in the US and for the last decade has worked in education policy research in Melbourne. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School.

BOARD MEMBER

Chris is an experienced Instructional Coach who is passionate about supporting teachers to implement evidence aligned instructional practices to improve outcomes for students. She has worked in remote indigenous communities, country and metropolitan schools and spent a few years teaching in the USA. Currently she supports leadership teams and teachers in two low-SES schools in the Northern suburbs of Adelaide to effectively use Instructional Coaching to develop teacher expertise

BOARD MEMBER

Kai (B.Bus) is an experienced project delivery and business transformation specialist with over 20 years in financial services. She has a strong track record leading large-scale regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and operational improvement initiatives, with a focus on aligning strategy to execution. Known for her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, Kai drives sustainable outcomes through business architecture, process optimisation, and technology-enabled change.

As Director and Principal Consultant at Robotham Consulting, Kai has advised major organisations on compliance, risk, and transformation strategy, and has delivered enterprise-wide programs across financial crime compliance, automation, and business separation initiatives. In addition to her professional work, she has served as School Council President at Templestowe Heights Primary School since 2020 and is a passionate advocate for equitable access to quality education. A long-term supporter of TFE, Kai is committed to contributing her expertise and governance experience at Board level.

BOARD MEMBER

Nicole is the Manager of Education Strategy at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools. She is an experienced education leader who has worked across government, independent and Catholic sectors, with a focus on strengthening instructional practice, curriculum coherence and assessment. Nicole is passionate about evidence-based practice and values working with others to improve outcomes for all students.