Ep 254: Michelle Micheal: The story behind NSWEduChat and supporting one million learners through crisis and change.

Michelle Michael is an internationally recognised education leader specialising in digital innovation and artificial intelligence in education. With more than 30 years of experience across schools, government and global advisory contexts, she brings a rare blend of strategic insight and practical implementation. As a former Director in the NSW Department of Education, Michelle played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s response to generative AI. She led the development and launch of NSWEduChat, one of the largest system-wide AI initiatives in education, supporting teachers and leaders to engage with emerging technologies thoughtfully and responsibly. She also led major reforms including the Effective Use of Mobile Devices Strategy and served as Director of Learning from Home, supporting more than one million students and teachers during COVID. Michelle has advised governments internationally, presented to the OECD and shared the stage with global education leaders, including Sir Ken Robinson. Her leadership has been recognised with NSW Premier’s and Australian College of Educators awards. A Fellow of Women in AI and EdSafe AI Alliance in New York, Michelle now works across a portfolio of roles. She is a Beachhead Advisor to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, a casual academic at Macquarie University, founder of her own education consultancy and a Non Executive Director with Young Change Agents. Michelle’s work sits at the intersection of innovation, ethics and impact, helping education systems navigate complexity with clarity and care.