About The Next Word
What do we stand for?
At The Next Word, we help people and organisations discover innovative strategies to achieve their goals. We strive to hold fast to what's important and shed what holds us back. We believe in breaking new ground and stretching the boundaries of what's possible.
how do we work?
We take a practical and ambitious stance for change, balancing values and traditions with innovation and provocation. We work within your context to ensure that there is harmony between strategy, training, people and technologies. We never stand still.
what can we offer?
We offer pathways to the future. Whether through workshops facilitation, research and writing, stakeholder engagement or other provocations.
See our Services page for more information.
who we are
matthew esterman - founder & director
DR Nicholas jackson - associate & co-author
DR Nicholas jackson - associate & co-author
Matthew Esterman has worked in education for over 15 years, having experience as a teacher, school leader, presenter, writer, and consultant.
He holds postgraduate degrees from Macquarie University and the University of Sydney, and is the recipient of several awards, including the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellowship for 2023 supported by Australian Schools Plus.
He has an interest in establishing and maintaining valuable partnerships with external organisations such as universities, industry partners and charitable organisations, as well as seeking out and adopting innovative approaches to the school experience.
Matthew has explored many innovative areas of school and work, including eSports, entrepreneurship, partner projects, school design and professional learning.
Matthew is a fresh thinker in the strategic and practical use of AI in schools, exploring the potential and pitfalls of various tools and platforms. He is a keen lifelong learner who believes we can bend the future using creativity, critical thinking, and compassion.
Previous projects:
Rashid and Latifa Schools redesign project - KSE Dubai
105 Phillip project - NSW Department of Education
Lindfield Learning Village - NSW Department of Education
Powerhouse Parramatta - Community Reference Group member
CreateWest 2023 - Collaboration between Western Sydney University, TAFENSW, local schools and Parramatta Artists Studios - founder and curator
Chau Chak Wing Musuem - University of Sydney and Hayball Architects
Centre for Research on Education in a Digital Society (CREDS), University of Technology Sydney (UTS) - associate and presenter
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts with the Diploma of Education Macquarie University
Master of Learning Science and Technology University of Sydney
Master of Arts (Modern History) Macquarie University
Cert IV Training and Assessment
Awards:
Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellow 2023 supported by Australian Schools Plus
World Teachers' Day Recognition Award 2018 - Teachers Guild of NSW
Dr Paul Brock Medal 2018 - Australian College of Educators
NSW Excellence in Education Award 2016 - Australian College of Educators
ACEL Leadership Award 2015 - Australian Council of Educational Leaders
Alan Laughlin Perpetual Award 2014 - Australian College of Educators
ICTENSW ICT Leader of the Year 2014 - ICT Educators NSW
See Matt's full LinkedIn profile by clicking here.
DR Nicholas jackson - associate & co-author
DR Nicholas jackson - associate & co-author
DR Nicholas jackson - associate & co-author
Dr Nick Jackson is the founder of Now Future Learning. He has worked for over 23 years in education mostly in schools but also in universities. Nick believes in constructivism and constructionism and has a passion for working and researching with teachers, students and technology. He focuses on learners being empowered to access education in the ways that they choose and have doors open to create new pathways into learning enhanced by technology.
In 2023 Nick was awarded his PhD from Monash University. His research focused on the empowerment of high school students, involving them in active roles to positively affect technology integration to improve teaching and learning.
Nick’s specialties include pedagogy, educational technology, A.I. in education, e-learning, teaching, learning, online learning, coaching, training, empowering learners, communities of practice, ICT, computing, digital technologies, web design, design thinking, critical & creative thinking and all manner of digital innovation.
See Nick's full Linkedin profile by clicking here.
See Now Future Learning by clicking here.