DrJoanne Henriksen

My excitement for learning and teaching is sparked by an interest in the power of genuine relationships, the impact of identity and the lived experience of education and learning. These key themes underpin my educational philosophy and research interests.

Intersecting and informing my current work at Deakin University, is over 25 years’ experience in a diverse range of education settings, including 17 years of experience in secondary school teaching and school leadership roles.

I am committed to fostering relational, supportive and dynamic learning environments where students, families and communities feel valued, connected and motivated. The pillars of social justice, co-construction and strength-based approaches feature in my scholarship of teaching and learning.

My research interests in education are diverse yet connected. I am interested in the lived experience of phenomena, identity and exploring the stories of experiential interpretation and reflection. My current research interests include the important praxis work of federally mandated Teacher Performance Assessment tools (TPAs) and the impact of contemporary teacher workforce shortages on emerging initiatives initial teacher education. I also have a strong interest in education leadership, specifically strategic planning, constructive alignment and change leadership.

My doctoral thesis used a phenomenological existential framework to investigate the ‘how’ and ‘what’ people experience through the lens of their ‘lifeworlds’, specifically the impact of time, agency, power, relationships and body. By understanding how different people experience a phenomenon we can reveal the barriers, enablers and future improvements that provide learning experiences that are diverse, generative and engaging. For further information on my research interests click on Research.

My professional career as teacher and school leader, alongside my academic work with pre-service teachers in initial teacher education and postgraduate teacher-leaders is diverse and responsive to contemporary challenges and innovations in teaching and learning.  For further information on my scholarship of learning and teaching click on the Supervision and Teaching.