Syba Academy is run by a small and collaborative team of professionals under the direction of Phyl Coath Williamson, founder and director of Syba Signs and Syba Academy.
In 1998 Phyl started Syba Signs with the vision of providing teacher librarians assistance in creating relevant, supportive and interesting learning environments in libraries. As a teacher Phyl was always passionate about creating stimulating learning environments and after completing a Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Teacher Librarian) where she studied under Dr Ross Todd, Phyl realised that as libraries changed from process to client driven services, there was a theoretical base to ensure students experienced effortless and positive library experiences. As a result Phyl created a wide range of student centred signage that supported successful searches and experiences for thousands of students in school libraries across Australia and internationally.
In 2006 as an extension to Syba Signs, Phyl introduced Syba Seminars believing that offering best practice Professional Development was another way to support teacher librarians. The quality of this service was recognised in 2013 when Syba Seminars received broad endorsement with the NSW Institute of Teachers to provide accredited professional learning opportunities for teachers to both NSW and Australian Professional Standards.
As a result of this accreditation Phyl launched the new Syba Academy where more varied formats and courses are on offer. She is supported by Academic consultant and Syba Academy’s Head of Professional Learning, Lyn Hay.
In collaboration with her team, Phyl aims to continue her passion of providing the best and most relevant accredited Professional Development to teacher librarians and other educationalists through Syba Academy.
Jodie joined the Syba Signs team in 2005 on a casual basis while completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) at the University of Sydney.
In 2006, Jodie joined the Syba team full time and she now works collaboratively with Phyl on all things Syba Academy. She is responsible for the preparation of communication and eMarketing strategies for the Syba Academy programs, liaising with professional bodies who wish to partner with Syba Academy, maintaining the Syba Academy website and organising venues and other necessities to accommodate our delegates and international and local speakers.
While her passion was to become a paediatric Occupational Therapist, she now finds herself passionate about supporting Teachers and Teacher-Librarians with their professional development needs.
Chances are if you have participated in a Syba seminar, workshop or online learning course you will know Jodie!