To expand professional learning opportunities and publications, using contemporary technologies to facilitate the delivery of more flexible, improved services and products; thereby, streamlining ACEL’s leadership to benefit members, improve stakeholder satisfaction, and grow the company.

In 1973, ACEA become only the second national body to be established under the auspices of the then (British) Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration

In 2002, the Board of Directors recommended that the name of the organization be changed to Australian Council for Educational Leaders. This was passed at the 2002 Annual General Meeting of the Council

In 2008 the members of ACEL approved the transition from an incorporated association to a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Australian Council for Educational Leaders Ltd came into being on the 11th August, 2008. This governance change has enabled ACEL to take its place both nationally and globally in offering strategic direction and professional learning programs for those committed to improving outcomes for schools and their students.

As Australia's peak professional organisation ACEL is a forward thinking, relevant and responsive agent of change and innovation. ACEL is a not-for-profit company and a 21st Century learning organisation that is continuously improving its practices to harness national and global opportunities. As the premier provider of resources and experiences for educational leaders, ACEL's membership continues to grow with over 6500 members actively connecting and participating in regular professional learning opportunities.

ACEL actively supports the development of leadership capabilities across Australia through its national and Branch initiated professional learning activities, international conferences, publications, online programs, and other partnership initiatives in leadership development. Access to these leadership-focused opportunities is available for classroom to system leaders.

ACEL's highly regarded reputation makes it an ideal and attractive partner both locally and internationally, and is sought after by other organisations seeking to value-add and optimise their products, events and activities. Through the benefits of collaboration, these partnerships create significant efficiencies and generate opportunities for the greater good of education including the sustainability of effective educational leadership in the 21st Century.

• Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management
• Commonwealth Secretariat
• ASCD

• ACSD/ACEL Catalogue
• e-publications: e-Teaching Weekly, e-Learning Weekly, e-ShortCuts Weekly
• The Australian Educational leader
• Leading and Managing Journal
• ACEL monograph
• ACEL leadership Capability Framework

• Global Emerging Leaders Summit -October 3 - 4 Adelaide Convention Centre.
• Australian Council for Educational Leaders 2011 Conference - Learning Landscapes – strategies for sustaining change. October 5-7 Adelaide Convention Centre.
• ACE-ACEL Chief Executive Breakfast with Mr Kevin Bartley - August 19

• Australian Council for Educational Leaders 2011 Conference - Learning Landscapes – strategies for sustaining change. October 5-7 Adelaide Convention Centre.
• SA Branch Emerging Leaders program
• Retired leaders Forums

National ACEL Awards

ACEL Fellows

An ACEL Fellowship is a special category of membership awarded annually to members of at least five years standing (or if retired, must have been a member at the time of retirement) who have made an outstanding contribution over a period of time to the improvement of student and organisational outcomes.

Nganakarrawa Award

This award is presented annually to those whose general excellence in educational administration and whose learning, experience and contribution to the Council have earned lasting respect and gratitude. With its origins in the Ndjebbana language of Central Arnhemland in the Northern Territory of Australia, the term Nganakarrawa (pronounced nana-ga-raa-wa) refers to “those who move about, all seeing, all knowing, knowledgeable and well regarded”.

The Hedley Beare Award for Educational Writing

This award is presented annually for an outstanding piece of educational writing (which may take various forms) that has provided new and significant knowledge about educational leadership.

Gold Medal

This is the most prestigious award presented annually by the Council to an educator whose contribution to the study and practice of educational administration and leadership is assessed as most outstanding, nationally.

ACEL Life Members

The Presidential Citation for Outstanding Service

This award is presented annually to an ACEL member who has, because of particular endeavours, made an outstanding contribution in furthering the Objects of the Council.

Outstanding teacher leadership Awards

This award is given annually to teachers who have demonstrated outstanding practice in the classroom and as a result have made a difference to colleagues and the lives of students in their care. The recipients are not required to be an ACEL member but must have made a significant contribution that is consistent with the Objects of the Council.

South Australian Awards

The Alby Award

The ‘Alby’ is awarded for meritorious educational leadership and recognises an educational leader whose achievement have shown exceptional merit in areas of major concern to the late Dr AW Jones.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP LEARNING AWARD

This award provides a beginning or emerging leader in the first 5 years of their leadership career the opportunity to engage in professional learning to inform and influence their educational leadership.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP MEDAL AWARD

This annual award recognises ACEL members for their exceptional Educational Leadership in a school, sector or system.