DrSarah Ohi

Sarah Ohi is a Senior Lecturer in English Language and Literacy Education at Deakin University, Australia. With a career in education spanning two decades, she has established herself as a leader in the field of education, particularly in language and literacy development, teacher education and digital literacies. 

Sarah has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her role as the Coordinator of the Language, Literacies & Learning Teaching and Research Group at Deakin University's School of Education. She serves as a mentor for pre-service teachers in the Melbourne Teaching Academy, guiding the next generation of educators. Her leadership extends to her involvement in state, national and international conferences, where she has delivered Keynote Speeches and research presentations about early years language and literacy pedagogies, by invitation.

Sarah's research is characterized by its depth and impact, focusing on critical areas such as Initial Teacher Education (ITE), Early Years Literacy education, digital literacies, and the research-policy-praxis nexus in education. Her work on intercultural understanding in education has been highly relevant in today’s globalising context, where learners’ identities, languages, and experiences increasingly cross national and cultural boundaries. Sarah engages in educational research with other Pasifika researchers internationally, with the aims of sharing Pasifika knowledge and voices, and supporting island nations to enhance their Higher Education and school sectors. The most recent article focused on Tongan/Pacific research epistemologies and methodologies. The overarching theme across all of Sarah's research is the focus and emphasis on understanding the Power and Priviledge of Languages, Literacies and Education, to advance academic understanding, and inform educational policies and practices.

Sarah's contributions to education are multifaceted. She has been instrumental in securing significant external educational research grants (>$2.1M) working on collaborative and cross-institutional research projects with a positive impact on educational outcomes for language, literacy, and education. She also mentors PhD researchers and colleagues to support their professional growth. Additionally, Sarah's work has been recognized by the winning of numerous awards for her excellence in teaching design, innovative cloud pedagogies and community engagement, underscoring her commitment to fostering educational excellence.

Sarah's career is a testament to her dedication to advancing education through leadership, research, and impactful contributions. Her work at Deakin University continues to inspire educators and researchers alike, shaping the future of education in Australia and beyond.