Education Research Connections

27 August

Teacher Wellbeing

Dr Rebecca Collie

Join Associate Professor Collie for an insightful session on the positive impacts of supportive leadership and the critical role of strong relationships with colleagues and students in enhancing teacher wellbeing. This presentation will illuminate how nurturing these relationships can create a thriving educational environment, boost morale, and foster a sense of community among educators. Drawing from evidence-based strategies and practical insights, Associate Professor Collie will demonstrate how supportive leadership can empower teachers, encourage professional growth and build resilience.

By focusing on a strengths-based approach, attendees will learn how to leverage existing resources and strengths within their educational institutions to create a supportive and sustainable work environment.

Rebecca Collie is a Scientia Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of New South Wales. With extensive research in wellbeing, motivation, and social-emotional development, and a background as a primary school teacher Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this session.

13 November

Retaining Early Career Teachers

Associate Professor Anna du Plessis

Anna Du Plessis, PhD, is an experienced practitioner with more than 20 years teaching experience, of which 8 years were in school leadership. She taught across three different countries and two different states in Australia. Anna’s research examines educational leadership, focusing on middle leadership professional development preservice teachers’ professional experience, the beginning teacher workforce and teachers’ lived experiences in relation to out-of-field phenomenon teaching practices. Anna has a strong background in the socio-cultural learning theory, she developed the CANNAS-leadership model and Context-conscious understanding development (C-CUD Theory).

Join Associate Professor Anna Du Plessis to discuss the key findings outlined in her book, A Handbook for Retaining Early Career Teachers: Research-Informed Approaches for School Leaders. The presentation will explore strategies for supporting and retaining early career teachers, with an emphasis on the role of school leaders and middle leaders. Key content includes evidence-based approaches to enhance teacher wellbeing, foster professional growth, and mitigate factors leading to burnout and attrition. You will gain insights into building a supportive school culture, effective mentorship programs, and leadership practices that promote teacher retention.