Michael Leadbeater
Michael Leadbeatter is an experienced woodworking educator and author known for his commitment to teaching timber skills and design. He has a long history of teaching woodwork in New South Wales secondary schools and at the University of Sydney, where he guided students through both practical workshop skills and design principles. Michael is co-author of the widely used Woodworking Student Book, a comprehensive textbook designed to support students through the Australian Industrial Technology (Timber) curriculum. The book covers fundamentals such as tools, safety, machines, power tools, work health and safety principles, and woodworking projects, making it a valued resource for learners and educators alike. Throughout his career, Michael also contributed to broader educational development, including involvement with curriculum advisory work on timber and design technology subjects. His teaching has emphasized not just technical proficiency but fostering thoughtful, creative craft skills in his students. After many years in full-time teaching, Michael is now semi-retired, continuing to remain involved in woodworking communities and education where his insight and experience are highly respected.