Strathcona Girls Grammar is delighted to celebrate Principal Lorna Beegan and Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching, Kara Baxter, who have both been named to The Educator’s Hot List 2026. The national recognition celebrates 62 educators and school leaders from across Australia for the impact of their work over the past 12 months.
For Strathcona, the recognition reflects the thoughtful and ambitious leadership that continues to shape our School, creating an environment where students and educators are encouraged to think boldly, embrace opportunity and contribute to what comes next.
Lorna Beegan has been recognised for her bold and contemporary vision for education, bringing together academic rigour, wellbeing, creativity, character development and emerging technologies while maintaining a strong focus on human connection and social responsibility.
Central to her leadership is the belief that every student should be known, challenged and empowered to realise her potential. This approach reflects Strathcona’s commitment to providing an education that responds to a changing world without losing sight of the relationships, values and individual strengths that shape each student’s journey.
Beyond Strathcona, Lorna Beegan contributes to national conversations about leadership, learning and the future of education through writing, speaking and advocacy. Her work encourages schools to consider how young people can be prepared not simply to respond to change, but to approach the future with curiosity, courage and purpose.
Kara Baxter’s recognition reflects her contribution to teaching, learning, professional growth and innovation, both within Strathcona and across the wider education sector.
As Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching, Kara Baxter has helped strengthen professional growth through coaching, collaborative inquiry and Strathcona’s Unstoppable eXperts professional learning model. Her work also spans interdisciplinary curriculum, STEM, AI literacy and opportunities for students to engage with authentic challenges through industry collaborations, including with HP and Intel.
Through initiatives including the CORAL Lab and emerging technology programs, Kara Baxter has helped create opportunities for students and educators to engage thoughtfully with innovation while maintaining Strathcona’s commitment to academic excellence and wellbeing.
Their recognition reflects a shared belief that educational excellence is not static. It requires strong relationships, academic ambition and the confidence to question existing approaches while remaining focused on what will best support students.
At Strathcona, this can be seen in future-focused learning experiences, investment in teacher expertise and a school culture where students are encouraged to discover their strengths, find their voice and develop the confidence to pursue their own path.
We congratulate Lorna Beegan and Kara Baxter on this well-deserved national recognition and are proud to see their contribution to Strathcona and Australian education celebrated through The Educator’s Hot List 2026
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