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Lecturer in Education, Early Childhood at Deakin University
Mandy is a lecturer in early childhood education in the School of Education, within the Faculty of Arts and Education. She is currently the course director for the undergraduate early childhood education courses and teaches in both undergraduate and postgraduate units. Mandy moved into academic work in 2021 after 23 years teaching in primary and early childhood education settings in Australia and internationally. Her research and teaching interests focus on understanding and developing sustainable pedagogical practices in early childhood and higher education to enable happy, engaged and thriving individuals and communities.
Mandy developed a passion for the theory of practice architectures during her PhD studies at Charles Sturt University. She was lucky, honoured and privileged to be introduced to the theory by Emeritus Professor Stephen Kemmis. Mandy continues to work with the theory across a range of projects and enjoys helping others to think about life through a practice lens.
Mandy has a particular interest in risk-taking practices, for both children and educators. She is currently undertaking research with international colleagues investigating educators’ perspectives and practices related to risk-taking and courage in early childhood education. Mandy is also engaged in several projects delivering and researching innovative practices in initial teacher education with the aim of supporting equity and access in higher education, and a sustainable early childhood workforce.
When Mandy is not thinking about education and the theory of practice architectures, she can be found living well gardening, surfing or flying her paraglider on the Victorian Surf Coast.
Senior Lecturer in Education at Charles Sturt University
Leanne Gibbs is a Senior Lecturer with the School of Education within the Faculty of Arts and Education. She teaches in the Bachelor of Education (Birth to 5), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), and Master of Education Programs. Her teaching and research interests are leadership, management, public policy children’s rights, and advocacy.
Leanne also developed a passion for the theory of practice architectures during her PhD studies at Charles Sturt University. Like Mandy, she was fortunate to be introduced to the theory by Emeritus Professor Stephen Kemmis and she continues to research and write with the theory.
Leanne joined Charles Sturt University in 2022 after completing her doctorate and following an exemplary career within early childhood education. Leanne’s career has comprised the roles of teacher and director within long daycare and pre-school centres, adviser and manager with local, state, and federal governments, manager and leader for national and state professional development programs. As Chief Executive Officer of a sector peak, she led advocacy, professional learning, and competency-based training, publications, and service delivery initiatives.
Leanne is also an author, podcaster, not-for-profit Board Member, and an early childhood education advocate.