Teacher workforce shortages have led to a proliferation of ‘innovations’ to boost the supply of graduate teachers to the workforce. We recognise that there is an urgent need for evidence-based research that informs the design of teacher education. Through our research, we evaluate the consequences and implications that impact the preparation and supply of teachers.
Our research draws on mixed methods, including novel and innovative theoretical positions, to address overarching research questions relevant to teacher education policy and practice issues. We prioritise the co-production of research informed partnerships and alliances across early childhood, school and higher education.
The Innovating Teacher Education group has six overarching research streams that frame our research.
Exploration of the factors that enable and constrain curriculum and pedagogy in teacher education, and evaluation of their impacts on graduate outcomes.
Research that examines the quality of assessment and moderation practices, including teacher performance assessment.
Research that examines how the conditions and experiences of teacher education support graduate capabilities, practices and wellbeing and how this might influence graduate teacher retention.
Examination of the innovations in the design, delivery and assessment of teacher education that enable or constrain the preparation of quality, socially-just teachers.
The impact of policy and reforms that shape quality and supply in the teaching workforce.
Exploration of the partnerships and alliances that are key for effective teacher education.
Undertaking a PhD at Deakin is an opportunity to make change under the mentorship of renowned researchers.
The Innovating Teacher Education team delivers original projects for all tiers of education under the leadership of:
Professor Amanda Mooney is the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Arts and Education. Her research interests are underpinned by a strong commitment to social justice and the role that education can play in furthering this pursuit.
Dr Natalie Robertson is the Associate Head of School (Teaching and Learning) in the School of Education. She conducts research positioned in early childhood education.
Our partnerships with government, community and industry allow us to deliver research with impact. We lead bold initiatives that seek solutions beyond traditional research and organisational boundaries.
This project aimed to improve mentoring in schools across the state of Victoria in a multi-stage approach. Over 130 primary and secondary schools in Warrnambool, Melbourne, Geelong and Horsham/Wimmera regions were involved and over 9000 teachers shifted to Deakin mentoring practices through the research project.
This project evaluated the outcomes of Victorian Government-funded innovative initial teacher education programs delivering a workplace-based pathway for mid-career entrants to become early childhood and applied secondary teachers. Through our research, we assessed if these programs were able to increase supply to workforce shortages in early childhood and applied secondary education.
To ensure our work is relevant to teacher education and the teaching workforce at large, we partner with several organisations, including the Department of Education, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). We also work with early childhood organisations, and schools across education tiers through our projects.
Take an in-depth look at our latest research, available in a variety of formats and publications. For a full list of publications visit the profile pages of our researchers.
Latest publications:
Featured publications:
Get in touch to learn more about the Innovating Teacher Education group, such as how you can work with us.
