MsAbbey Boyer

After 23 years of teaching in schools, Abbey tranisitioned into higher education as a Lecturer in Education, specializing in Health & Physical Education. Concurrently, she is also completing her PhD. She is passionate about innovative pedagogy, teacher learning, mentoring and supporting graduate teachers in the transition from initial teacher education into teaching. Previously, she has held leadership roles as Director of Learning & Teaching and Professional Learning Coordinator in secondary schools, in addition to teaching English and HPE. An experienced VCAA Assessor for Year 12 English and the GAT, she brings deep insights into assessment and literacy development. She also professional development for teachers at all levels including pre-service tecahers, graduates and emerging leaders. Her expertise extends to curriculum writing, digital assessment, and HPE literacy and curriculum. Most recently, Abbey has been a contributing panel member for the F-10 HPE Victorian Curriculum, was the leader writer developing the HPE Literacy Toolkit and was the international consultant for the development of the first Yr 11 HPE curriculum in the Phillipines. 

As a PhD candidate, Abbey's research focuses on the development of praxis and the prevalence of praxis shock in early career teaching. Under the mentorship of Associate Professors Matthew Krehl Edward Thomas and Andrew Skourdoumbis, Abbey's intellectual horizons are continually expanded. Their insightful guidance challenges her to critically examine and elevate discussions surrounding teacher practices and support systems.She explores the conditions of practice for early career teachers in schools, aiming to bridge the gap between Initial Teacher Education and real-world classroom practice. Her research is conextualised in a range of levels and disciplines with a particular focus on Health and Physical Education teaching. Skilled in K-12 Education, Pedagogy, Inclusion and Classroom Management, she is committed to shaping the future of teaching through research-driven, practical approaches. Abbey thrives on the intensity of academic debate and isn't afraid to wrestle with Bourdieu, Foucault, and The Theory of Practice Architectures—all from the supreme comfort of her couch, proving that brilliant ideas don’t require an office, just good coffee and great Wi-Fi.