Congratulations to St Margaret’s Head of Faculty – Digital Innovation and Design Kerry Daud on being recognised as a trailblazer in education, named as one of Australia’s ‘Most Influential Educators’ for 2025.
As a neutral authority in the K-12 education sector, The Educator magazine conducted an extensive search for the influential educators who have had the strongest impact on teaching and learning within their own institutions and whose influence is significantly shaping the Australian education industry.
Kerry said she was proud and humbled to receive this recognition among the final list of 50 educators from around Australia.
“It recognises not only my work but the culture at St Margaret’s that encourages us to be innovative and leaders in our fields.
“I truly believe that the foundation we are providing St Margaret’s students is going to create authentic and long-term benefits for them and for girls’ education as a whole.
“Our students are going to be at the forefront of using emerging technologies, paving the way for them to become the leaders of their generation,” Kerry said.
Kerry has stewarded transformative initiatives in the digital and design space at St Margaret’s.
Her groundbreaking work in founding the school’s esports program has empowered female students in Years 5 to 12 to develop skills in one of the fastest growing sports in the world in a safe and supportive environment, encouraged students to see a future in an industry that is booming in terms of career opportunities, and speaks to the school’s value of inclusivity, giving students who may not be inclined to play traditional sports the opportunity to develop their teamwork and communication skills and flourish in an activity that suits their personality and learning style.
Recognising the need for an all-girls high school esports league, Kerry also pioneered the Girls in Gaming interschool competitions.
She also developed the school’s technology hub for students, staff and parents known as M@ggies Digital and is leading the charge in integrating AI in education, developing school guidelines and educating staff on adopting the emerging technology in their practice. Kerry was also a key leader on a project to trial exploring the effectiveness of AI in assessing student work and providing meaningful feedback to students.
Kerry’s influence as an educator extends beyond St Margaret’s. She is a regular guest presenter at industry conferences and events both within Australia and internationally. She is also a co-founder and Vice President of the Queensland Schools Network for Emerging Technologies, empowering educators by facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
In 2025-2026, Kerry is a research fellow in the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Global Action Research Collaborative (GARC), at the forefront of evaluating AI and its impacts on girls’ education alongside a group of international educators.