Mr John Mooney

John Mooney began his career in education in 1966. His first six years of teaching were in Victorian rural schools.

In 1974, he commenced studies in special education at Monash. In 1976, he took up the inaugural executive officer role at the Krongold Centre at Monash. In 1982, he was awarded the Commonwealth Relations Trust Open Fellowship at London University.

As well as undertaking fellowship duties, John completed his MA studies in educational psychology. Since returning to Australia in 1984, he’s been principal of three specialist schools in Frankston, as well as Ashwood and Emerson School in Dandenong.

John has a long association with the Australian Council of Education Leaders,tThe Australian College of Educators, the Principals’ Association of Specialist Schools the Victorian Principals’ Association and the British Psychological Society. He’s a state councillor of the Australian Principals’ Federation, and a member of the Department of Education and Training’s Expert Principals’ Advisory Group.John is also a member ofhe Australian Institute of Company Directors, and director of Gorman Foundation.

On Australia Day in 2014, John was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for his contributions to education and students with disabilities.

John has a continuing passion and enthusiasm towards ensuring there are good options for primary and secondary students with disabilities and additional needs. He’s been very active in the creation of employment pathways for students with disabilities over five decades.