I specialise in early childhood language and literacy (and more specifically on bilingual preschoolers' social interactions, emotional experiences, and functional language use of English as an additional language). I have been a teacher for 20 plus years in contexts such as children's services, schools, tutoring, nannying, and of course, preschools in Australia, the UK, France, and Kenya.
I am a lecturer, researcher, and tutor in the Bachelor of Education program in the courses: Studies in English Education 1 and 2 and the literacy specialisation. I still consider myself to be a preschool teacher, albeit from a distance now, as I work for UniSA as an academic.
I am also a parent of a 10 (almost 11) year old daughter who loves musical... Read more
About me
I specialise in early childhood language and literacy (and more specifically on bilingual preschoolers' social interactions, emotional experiences, and functional language use of English as an additional language). I have been a teacher for 20 plus years in contexts such as children's services, schools, tutoring, nannying, and of course, preschools in Australia, the UK, France, and Kenya.
I am a lecturer, researcher, and tutor in the Bachelor of Education program in the courses: Studies in English Education 1 and 2 and the literacy specialisation. I still consider myself to be a preschool teacher, albeit from a distance now, as I work for UniSA as an academic.
I am also a parent of a 10 (almost 11) year old daughter who loves musical theatre - dancing, singing, and acting.
My view of literacy draws from the Early Years Learning Framework (2009, p. 46) in that 'literacy incorporates a range of modes of communication including music, movement, dance, storytelling, visual arts, media and drama, as well as talking, listening, viewing, reading and writing'.
I hold the Bachelor of Early Childhood (with honours); a Master in Education (specialising in Early Childhood Education); various Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificates; and a PhD titled: "Bilingual preschoolers' social interactions, emotional challenges, and functional langauge use while learning English as an additional language'.
About me
Department for Education and Child Development,
TESOL research group UniSA,
de Lissa Research group, UniSA, School of Education UniSA
Translanguaging research group
West Torrens Partnership DECD
About me
Doctor of Philosophy University of South Australia
Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) University of South Australia
Bachelor of Early Childhod Education with Honours University of South Australia
2015-2019
Tutor of Studies in English Education 1, UniSA
2014-2019
Preschool Teacher and Acting-Director at Kurralta Park Community Kindergarten, DECD/DfE
2012-2018
Case Study Researcher - Bilingual preschoolers' social interactions, emotional challenges and functional language use while learning English as an additional language.
2008-2010
New Arrivals Program Teacher / Intensive English Language Classroom Teacher at Richmond Primary, DECD
2002 - 2018
Early Years Teacher in various metropolitan and country locations for the DECD
2007-2008
Volunteer Teacher - library project coordinator in Kenya.
2006
English Tutor/nanny in Paris, France
2001 & 2005
Key stage 1 teacher in England
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Preschool and Early Years Education, Early Years Literacy
Research
Research since 2008 is shown below. To see earlier years visit ORCID
Open access indicates that an output is open access.
Research
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Preschool and Early Years Education, Early Years Literacy
External engagement & recognition
| Organisation | Country |
|---|---|
| University of South Australia | AUSTRALIA |
External engagement & recognition
Department for Education and Child Development,TESOL research group UniSA,de Lissa Research group, UniSA,School of Education UniSA, Board member, Ethnic Schools Association - Kenyan Association of South Australia, (Government Board or committee) , 2012 to 2015, Committee member, Playgroup SA - PSP, (Community organisation) , 2012 to 2013, Academic Adviser, DECD - Northern Region EAL hub group, (Government Board or committee) , 2012 to 2013
ENGLISH STUDIES, Supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, Early Years Literacy
Teaching & student supervision
