Jack Keating Memorial Lectures
Jack Keating Memorial Lectures commemorate Professor Keating's life and significant contributions to education.
What does it take to create lasting improvement in schools?
At the 2026 Jack Keating Memorial Lecture, education leader and author Vic Zbar explored the critical role of leadership in ensuring better teaching and better outcomes for students.
Drawing on decades of experience working with schools and education systems, Vic challenged the tendency to prescribe quick fixes for complex problems. Instead, he argued that effective improvement begins with diagnosis, evidence and a clear understanding of what each school needs. His message was simple: schools cannot do everything at once. Sustainable change requires leaders to build consistency, focus on what matters most and support teachers to strengthen their practice over time.
The lecture also provided an opportunity to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of Professor Jack Keating – an inspirational educator, researcher, mentor and policy thinker whose work was grounded in equity, opportunity and the practical impact of education. The lecture continues Jack’s commitment to connecting research, policy and practice, while supporting education research through the Jack Keating Fund.
Professor Jack Keating
Professor Jack Keating was a former Faculty of Education academic and Fellow of the Australian College of Educators. He was an inspirational educator and researcher who was highly regarded and respected in the global education community. Professor Keating's substantial contributions to educational policy in Australia and abroad reflect his passion and lifelong commitment to democracy and equity in education.
Right up until his passing in 2012, Professor Keating played a crucial role in guiding the Faculty's work on post-secondary education and training, vocational education, school funding, and senior secondary curriculum and pathways. These lectures honour the life of Professor Keating and his vast contribution to education, the Faculty and countless educational organisations and communities around the world.
Past lectures
Contact us
For more information on the Dean’s Lecture Series, please email our events team.