Judith Wheeldon AM has been an educator all her life. Beginning as a children's and young people's librarian in San Francisco and Milwaukee, she moved to Perth where 13 years teaching in state schools led to becoming head of English, then deputy principal (female, relieving) in a large state secondary school. She was active in the State School Teachers' Union and the ALP.  Moving to Sydney in 1981 with her husband John Wheeldon, but unable to be employed in state schools because of not having an Australian diploma of education, she became Director of Curriculum at Abbotsleigh. Later, twenty years as Principal of Queenwood School for Girls Mosman and Headmistress of Abbotsleigh (day and boarding school for girls in Wahroonga, Sydney) gave her unusually deep and broad experience in all aspects of school organisation and success. Many sabbaticals gave her experience of education in Europe, the US, Asia and Africa.

After "retirement" in 2004, Judith continued the education theme as Trustee of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (the Powerhouse), Director of the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (formerly the Carrick Institute), member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on HIV Aids, Aboriginal Sexual Health and Hepatitis C (Hep C subcommittee) and as Director of the Montessori Children's Foundation and the Masterman Trust.

Judith took an active role in the civil rights movement in the US. She lived and worked in Mississippi during the Freedom Summer of 1964.  This remains one of the best experiences of her life and a source understanding people's drive to grow and develop, no matter the obstacles.