Our role as educators is really important because we create the environment in which children can flourish.
– Sean Butler, Principal of Preston High School
Episode 9: Sean Butler in conversation with Sara Wills
Sean Butler and Sara Wills first met when Sean was a Bachelor of Arts student and Sara was his History tutor.
Since then, Sean has gone on to become the Foundation Principal of Preston High School and completed a PhD in Educational Leadership. Sara is the Associate Dean Partnerships in the Faculty of Arts, Head of the Executive Master of Arts in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences and an Associate Professor in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies.
Despite such divergent paths, their shared passions for arts and education is at the heart of what they both do. In this conversation, the pair reflect on their careers, how to engage young people in the Humanities and Social Sciences and why it's so important in the modern world.
About Sean Butler
Sean Butler is the Foundation Principal of Preston High School, an inspiring new school that recently won the Victorian Government’s statewide award for Outstanding Provision for High-Ability Students.
As a graduate of the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Arts, Sean applied his triple major in History, Politics and Cultural Studies to a career in History teaching in public schools. In his chosen profession, Sean was recognized as a Victorian Young Leader before completing a PhD on the operation of networks within education systems.
He has a passion for the Arts and seeks to build learning cultures for adults and children that foster a drive for intellectual engagement.
About Sara Wills
Sara Wills is the Associate Dean Partnerships in the Faculty of Arts, Head of the Executive Master of Arts in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences and an Associate Professor in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies.
A former Director of the Australian Centre and Deputy Director of the Melbourne Social Equity Institute, Sara has spent much of the last 10 years working to create greater opportunities for students, researchers and teachers by making connections beyond the University.
Believing that we are always 'stronger together', Sara has been keen to work in partnership with individuals and organisations who share a commitment to excellence, access, equity and diversity in education. And she loves teaching the students in her Masters program!
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