Education & training

I’m passionate about research that contributes to the understanding of inclusive educational practices. Alongside partners such as UNICEF Australia, Commissioners for Children and Young People and Principal Associations, I am investigating exclusionary policies and practices in Australian Schools and the impact they have on vulnerable children. Through this research, my team is hoping to identify alternative policy and practice recommendations for managing disorderly students. This could lead to more inclusive learning environments and improvements to the health and wellbeing of young people.

Professor Anna Sullivan
Director, Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion

My research provides expertise in two fields: child protection and wellbeing in early childhood education, and Australian family violence laws and policies impacting family safety. My program of research investigates ways in which educators can support young children’s wellbeing and learning and social policy impacts on vulnerable families. Together with Salisbury Communities for Children, my colleagues and I are working with early childhood setting staff to co-design wellbeing resources, activities and practices to develop effective wellbeing approaches.

Associate Professor Elspeth McInnes

After working in Aboriginal Education since 1995, my research focuses on culturally responsive pedagogies, Aboriginal languages and remote Aboriginal education. My colleagues and I work with teachers, Aboriginal Education Officers and Elders to co-create Australian Culturally Responsive Pedagogies, which inform theory, policy and practice in schools and teacher preparation courses. Providing teachers, the tools to improve our work in Indigenous education helps address the disparity in learning outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.

Dr Sam Osborne