DrLynette Longaretti

Dr Lynette Longaretti is a Senior Lecturer in Education (Pedagogy and Curriculum) in the School of Education at Deakin University. Her teaching, research and leadership focus on Initial Teacher Education, educational equity, relational pedagogy, teacher and student wellbeing, and inclusive approaches to teaching and learning. 

Prior to entering higher education, Lynette taught and held leadership roles in Victorian primary schools for 13 years. This experience continues to inform her work in teacher education and educational research, strengthening connections between theory, policy and practice. 

Her research examines how Initial Teacher Education can better prepare teachers to meet the diverse needs of contemporary learners. Her work focuses on classroom management, teacher and student wellbeing, resilience, educational disadvantage, school transitions, student voice, inclusive education, and trauma-informed approaches to teaching and learning. She is particularly interested in how relationships, supportive learning environments, and evidence-informed pedagogies contribute to engagement, belonging, and educational success. 

Lynette works collaboratively with schools, communities, government agencies and education systems to develop practice-informed approaches that respond to local educational priorities. Since joining Deakin, she has secured more than $1 million in competitive and contract research funding through collaborative partnerships with schools, education systems and government agencies. Her research has informed policy, professional learning and classroom practice, particularly in the areas of educational equity, wellbeing, inclusion, student voice and teacher education. 

She has made significant contributions to Initial Teacher Education through curriculum renewal, professional experience leadership and academic governance, strengthening connections between university learning and professional practice and supporting pre-service teachers to develop professional judgement, confidence and resilience. 

Lynette currently leads student voice initiatives within the School of Education, advocating for learner perspectives to inform curriculum design, teaching practice and program improvement. Through her teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, she prepares graduates who combine strong pedagogical knowledge with ethical practice, relational capability and a commitment to inclusion. 

In addition to her academic scholarship, Lynette is the author of children's literature, reflecting her commitment to children's learning and wellbeing through stories that promote positive relationships, belonging, inclusion and social-emotional development.