My CV

College Principal, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College

2016-2022

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College with a senior campus at The Entrance, and middle campuses at Berkeley Vale and Tumbi Umbi provides secondary education for over 2700 students. Dr Cullen retains approval to teach in NSW public schools and is accredited with the NSW Educational Standards Authority.

State Director, Early Learning & Primary Education

2013-2015

In this role David had state wide responsibility for NSW public primary schools, NSW government pre-schools, the Australian Curriculum K-10, literacy and numeracy initiatives (Early Action for Success K-2 and the Improving Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership), Multicultural Education K-12, the Community Languages in Schools program, and Special Religious Education. As part of this role David was the department representative on the Ministerial Advisory Group for Literacy and Numeracy. When required Dr Cullen relieved as the Executive Director, Learning and Leadership.

Churchill Fellow

2015

During 2015 Dr Cullen gained a Churchill Fellowship where he undertook a study tour of Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the United States to study curriculum and assessment reform K-12

School Education Director, Hunter / Central Coast Region

2004-2012

As a School Education Director Dr Cullen was responsible for the leadership of 30 public primary and secondary schools on the Central Coast of NSW. He was the immediate supervisor of the principals in these schools. David also had strategic leadership responsibility for curriculum, assessment, literacy, and numeracy across the 300 schools in the region.

President, Australian Council for Educational Leaders

2003-2005

Dr Cullen was elected NSW State President of ACEL in 2003 and was made a Fellow in 2005. During this period David led the implementation of the ACEL Learn, Lead, Succeed program for educational leaders across NSW.

Principal, Kincumber Public School

2001-2003

Kincumber Public School had an enrolment of 630 students and under David's leadership was recognised by the Australian Council for Educational Research for its literacy outcomes K-2. The school also provided the backdrop for a National Assessment Award presented to David by the University of Melbourne.

Principal, Narrabri West Public School

1998-2000

Narrabri West Public School had an enrolment of 400 students and under David's leadership was recognised with a National Literacy and Numeracy Award.

NSW Higher School Certificate Review Secretariat

1997

Dr Cullen was seconded by the Minister for Education to represent the Department of School Education, assisting Professor Barry McGaw in the review of the NSW Higher School Certificate.

Senior Assessment and Reporting Officer K-12

1996-1997

David was responsible for the development of policy and teacher professional development to support the implementation of outcomes-based pedagogy, curriculum and assessment. He developed the documents, Principles for Assessment and Reporting in NSW Government Schools, and Strategies for Assessment and Reporting.

Regional Curriculum Consultant / Team Leader

1994-1995

Head Teacher Secondary Studies

1992-1993