DrNicole Downes

Dr Nicole Downes teaches undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Deakin University in the School of Education, with a particular focus on trauma-informed practice and child safety and wellbeing. 

Her teaching is informed by an active program of research in trauma-informed education, child safety, and educator wellbeing, enabling students to engage with contemporary evidence and emerging practices that support safe, inclusive, and responsive learning environments. Nicole is committed to bridging theory and practice, supporting pre-service and practising educators to develop the professional knowledge, skills, and capabilities required to foster wellbeing, engagement, and positive educational outcomes for all learners.

A key focus of Nicole's teaching is developing educators' understanding of the impact of trauma and adversity on learning, behaviour, relationships and wellbeing. Through research-informed and practice-oriented learning experiences, she develops comprehensive curriculum informed by contemporary research and relevant theory that equips pre-service teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to educational cultures that prioritise the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people. Nicole's positions relationships at the forefront of her teaching pedagogy and practice that offer supportive, engaging learning environments where students can thrive. 

Nicole's commitment to teaching excellence is recognised with the Distinguished Teacher Award and her high consistently high student evaluations acknowledge her innovative, student-centred, and impactful approach to teaching. Drawing on authentic case studies, sector partnerships, contemporary educational research, she creates engaging learning experiences with opportunities for critical reflection to informt the emerging professional identify of pre-service teachers as they build the confidence and capacity required to lead positive change within educational settings and communities.