School of Education: 2023 Highlights
To wrap up 2023, the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics is reflecting on the year that was and featuring highlights from each school.
Head of School of the School of Education, Professor Susan James Relly, says, "the School of Education continued to thrive in 2023 with increasing student numbers and some exciting new appointments with colleagues. Our strategic direction saw us able to deliver and win a variety of new funding opportunities.
We had many celebrations culminating in the Marjoribanks lecture delivered by Mr Yousafzai and the numerous awards colleagues have received. These achievements stand us in good stead to approach 2024 with renewed vigour after well-earned breaks over December and January.
Work with colleagues from UniSA to develop a new curriculum for Adelaide University will continue, we have three new appointments, many funding grants in the pipeline, and a fabulous body of undergraduate and graduate students to work with. While our successes in 2023 set a high benchmark, I am confident that our collegial approach and endeavour makes 2024 a year to look forward to."
While there have been many achievements, we have selected just a few that demonstrate what a special year this was for the School of Education students, staff, and alumni.
In no particular order:
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Mr Ziauddin Yousafzai, a teacher, educational activist, co-founder of the Malala Foundation with his daughter Malala, delivered the 2023 Kevin Marjoribanks Memorial Lecture. Watch the recording.
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Dr Sam Schulz led a team of researchers who were invited to present their Aboriginal Education Strategy Work to the statewide leadership team of Catholic Education South Australia (CESA). Read more.
- Ms Yuli Astiana and Ms Wenfei Li will be representing the School of Education at the 3rd Global Peace Summit (hosted by Humanitarian Affairs Asia) at the United Nations Conference Centre in 2024, and will act as Humanitarian Affairs Peace Ambassadors throughout 2024. Read more.
- The School of Education Awards Night was held in November where 25 awards were given out for academic excellence and for placement achievements.
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A $3.3 million partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Education and the University of Adelaide’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), School of Education, and Computer Science Research Group, will make free short courses accessible to teachers, which will help improve learning outcomes in classrooms across Australia. Read more.
- Ricky Fernandes was one of 3 Faculty winners of the 3 Minute Thesis competition with his presentation, 'What is critical thinking in English as an Additional Language for Indonesian teachers?'
- Celebrating World Teachers Day with a profile of alumna Alina Meich. After graduating from her Master of Education (specialising in Wellbeing) at the University of Adelaide, Alina wanted to evoke system change, and has worked for the Department for Education as a teacher wellbeing consultant, and for the Mental Health and Wellbeing team, where she assists student wellbeing leaders in implementing a whole school approach to wellbeing
In 2024 Alina plans to undertaking a PhD with the University of Adelaide, so she can continue to make a difference within the wellbeing space.
- The School of Education hosted the 'Teaching the Humanities, English, Creative Writing and Flourishing in Schools' event, a free half-day professional development conference for Years 7-12 teachers attended by nearly 100.
- The School of Education Business Manager, Sandra Goodwin, participated in the 19th Australian Masters Games in netball and played 21 games over 8 days for 2 teams, coming away with a bronze medal with each team.
- Head of School Professor Susan James Relly won the 'A Culture of Impact and Excellence: an award for an academic or professional staff member for exceptional leadership' award in the 2023 University Awards. Read more.
