Education Research Connections

Education Research Connections is Professional Learning delivered via a series of guest presenters from the field of education research. The aim is to facilitate connections between Independent schools and universities whilst sharing recent and relevant research.

Each session will commence with a networking afternoon tea, followed by a topical presentation from a respected researcher. Speakers will be sourced from universities and other research-based organisations, focusing on a range of areas pertinent to improving the educational outcomes of students.

Education Research Connections will provide an opportunity each term for you to engage in professional discussions in a learning network founded on research.

To cater for busy educators, participation in this professional learning is also offered virtually, reducing the inconvenience and cost of travel.

2025 Presenters

26 March 2025

Professor Susan Ledger

Preparing Preservice and Career-Change Teachers for the Complexities of the Profession

The ever-evolving demands of the teaching profession require targeted preparation strategies to ensure both preservice and career-change teachers are equipped for success. Professor Susan Ledger’s research explores the unique challenges faced by these educators and investigates innovative approaches to teacher preparation. By examining the intersection of theory and practice, her work identifies essential supports, including mentoring, contextual learning experiences, and reflective practices, that are critical for navigating the complexities of today’s classrooms. This presentation will explore research findings, highlighting evidence-based strategies that strengthen teacher readiness, build resilience, and foster adaptive expertise. Insights from this research aim to inform teacher education programs and school leaders on how best to support educators at the outset of their careers, contributing to sustainable professional growth and improved student outcomes.

Her recent research endeavours focus on:

critically analysing education policy reform,
the affordances of simulation to prepare graduate teachers for placement, and
addressing foundational learning domains – cognition, affective and psychomotor.

She is currently the President of the NSW Council of Deans of Education, Chair of Network of the Australian Council of Deans of Education Professional Experience Steering Committee and on the committee for the Global Network of Deans of Education.

19 June 2025

Dr Christine Grice

Inspiring the Next Generation: Empowering Educators to Step into Leadership

Educational leadership is the cornerstone of thriving school communities, yet many potential leaders hesitate to step forward. This session explores actionable strategies for school leaders to identify, nurture, and inspire educators to pursue leadership roles. Drawing on the latest research and case studies, participants will uncover how to foster a culture of encouragement, create clear leadership pathways, and provide the mentorship and resources that make stepping into leadership an achievable and rewarding goal. Join us for this engaging session to reimagine how we cultivate leadership potential, empower educators, and build a strong, sustainable leadership pipeline for the future of education.

Dr Christine Grice is an Australian educator. She works closely with school and system leaders on research and practice partnerships centred on leading together for education. Christine brings almost three decades of educational leadership and research experience to her work, in the government and non-government sectors in Australia and in the UK, at early childhood, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. She has held previous appointments in P-12 schools as Head of School, Deputy Head, and Director of Curriculum, and she has also served on four governing boards. Christine has always been passionate about supporting educators to connect theory, philosophy, and practice for purposeful leading in her teaching, research, leadership, and service to the education community. Christine is currently postgraduate coordinator of the Master of Education Programs at the University of Sydney.

21 August 2025

Dr Meera Varadharajan

New Beginnings: Effectively Supporting Career-Change Teachers for Long-Term Success

Career-change teachers bring diverse skills and perspectives to the classroom, enriching the educational land-scape. However, their transition into teaching comes with unique challenges. This session explores evidence-based strategies for supporting career-change teachers, ensuring they feel valued, prepared, and equipped to thrive. Discover practical approaches to tailored onboarding, professional learning, and mentorship programs that address the specific needs of career-change educators. Learn how to leverage their prior experiences while building their confidence and pedagogical expertise. Join us to learn how to foster a sense of belonging and cultivate long-term commitment to the teaching profession.

Dr Meera Varadharajan is a Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University. She leads the research for the award-winning Nexus program, an innovative employment based teaching pathway program. Prior to this, Meera was a Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at UNSW, where she worked on projects and program evaluations, engaging with diverse stakeholders to improve social impact and inform policy. Meera has over 15 years of experience in the education field. She is an experienced qualitative researcher, and her research focus and expertise are in the areas of: Career change professionals and their contributions to learning; education equity; education policies; teacher retention and addressing teacher shortages. Meera has made a significant contribution to the understanding of career changers in the teaching profession which was the focus of her doctoral thesis and subsequent work.

22 October 2025

Professor Jo Lampert

Future-Proofing Schools: Strategic Workforce Planning in Education

In an era of evolving demands and teacher shortages, strategic workforce planning is critical to ensuring schools are equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. This session provides education leaders with the tools and insights needed to build a sustainable and agile workforce. Drawing on current research and real-world examples, we will explore innovative approaches to forecasting workforce needs, attracting diverse talent, and retaining high-performing educators. Discover how to align workforce strategies with your school’s vision while fostering a culture that supports growth, adaptability, and excellence in education.

Jo Lampert is Professor of Teacher Education for Social Transformation in the Faculty of Education, Monash University. Jo has worked in teacher education for the past 25 years to research how teachers can be prepared to address educational inequalities in the hardest-to-staff schools in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australia. She co-leads Monash's Education for the Future Impact Lab, and leads its Teacher Education for Social Impact Research and Scholarship group.

Education Research Connections - 2025 Dates

Wednesday 26 March (4:00pm for 4:30pm – 5:30pm)
Thursday 19 June (4:00pm for 4:30pm – 5:30pm)
Thursday 21 August (4:00pm for 4:30pm – 5:30pm)
Wednesday 22 October (4:00pm for 4:30pm – 5:30pm)