MrLeigh Johnson

As a PhD candidate in the School of Education at Deakin University, my focus is on researching bushfire education in the context of climate change education. My research centres on student agency in bushfire education, teacher and school agency in child centred risk reduction education, and the role of place based participatory pedagogies.

As a serving primary school principal, my research has a strong ‘pracademic’ flavour. Working in collaboration with Dr Briony Towers has led to the development of bushfire education programs — including a student-led Bushfire Safety Committee Manifesto. This work formed the basis for the Schools in Fire Country initiative.

Learning for sustainability, school leadership and translating research into action have long been features of my commitment to state education across a teaching career established last century. I have a Master in School Leadership, and a Master of Education (International Baccalaureate). This research inquires into the actions that children can achieve through a novel approach to bushfire risk reduction educaiton.