New chief executive for Education Council

The Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Graham Stoop QSO to the position of chief executive. Dr Stoop will take up the position on November 9.

Chairperson Barbara Ala’alatoa says the council is thrilled to get someone of Dr Stoop’s calibre to lead its evolution into a high-performing professional organisation representing teachers.

“Dr Stoop was the outstanding candidate. He has served the profession, the government of the day and the public in an exemplary way throughout his career which spans over 30 years.”

Dr Stoop comes from the Ministry of Education where he was deputy secretary student achievement, a role dedicated to getting better outcomes for students. From 2007 to 2013, he was chief executive of the Education Review Office.

“Dr Stoop has touched all parts of our profession. He has been a teacher, a principal of, at the time, the largest secondary school in Australasia, the pro vice chancellor of Canterbury University and the chief executive of Christchurch College of Education.

“His understanding of the education community is wide-ranging and comprehensive at the strategic level, but also at the operational level. It was very important for us to appoint someone who understands the issues affecting teachers today. Dr Stoop has remained well connected with the teaching community.

“On a more personal note, Dr Stoop has profound mana and gravitas in the education community. He has an unswerving optimism for getting the best out of people and works collegially and inclusively.

“We’re very excited about his appointment, and look forward to seeing him working with our education community to get better outcomes for students.”

Dr Stoop started his career as secondary school teacher and has held several positions in that role including head of department in various schools in New Zealand and Scotland.