WAIER Forum Opening Panel
Introducing our Panelists
The 2022 WAIER Forum will commence with a panel discussion. The panel members (below) will discuss a range of global and local issues around education research. We welcome the panelist’s insights with what will be a thought-provoking discussion.
Professor Jeffrey Brooks

Jeffrey Brooks is the Head of School at Curtin University.
His research focuses on sociological, organisational and equity dynamics of educational leadership practice and preparation. Most recently, that has led him to explore how school leadership influences (and is influenced by) social justice, racism, globalisation and extremism. Jeff’s research has taken place in the United States, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.He is the recipient of two J. William Fulbright Scholarships to study educational leadership for social justice, in Thailand and the Philippines. Jeff believes that high-quality research, culturally relevant teaching and proactive leadership for social justice can improve children’s lives and educational experiences- nothing is more important. He also believes strongly that it is his responsibility as an educator to create professional opportunities for students, educators and other scholars.
Dr Elizabeth Jackson-Barrett

Dr Libby Jackson-Barrett is a Senior Lecturer and researcher for Kurongkurl Katitjin, Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research and the School of Education at Edith Cowan University. Working in the tertiary sector for 20 years, Libby’s research interests include exploring factors that promote and develop successful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in education. Libby has a particular interest in culturally relevant and critical pedagogy, culturally responsive practices in teaching and working alongside Aboriginal peoples and communities and Indigenous education issues. Libby’s current research is On Country Learning. On Country Learning research is breaking new ground in Aboriginal education, receiving recognition as an Innovative Pedagogical approach in the Early Years for the Asia Pacific Region by ARNEC. Libby completed her PhD: On Country Learning: Towards a Culturally Responsive Pedagogy for Aboriginal Education in 2021 and is now exploring new research ideas connected to On Country Learning in Boorloo. As the Associate Dean Academic for Kurongkurl Katitjin, Libby leads the teaching team in the Aboriginal education units for the undergraduate and post graduate pre-service teachers studying across early childhood, primary and secondary teaching degrees.
Associate Professor Glenn Savage

Glenn Savage is an Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia. Glenn is a leading researcher and public commentator on education policy. His recent book, ‘The Quest for Revolution in Australian Schooling Policy’ (Routledge 2021), provides a detailed history of schooling reform in the Australian federation and offers a strong critique of standards-based reform. Glenn currently leads an Australian Research Council project that is examining the role of parents and community members in school decision-making. In late 2022, Glenn will serve as a visiting fellow at Durham University’s Institute of Advanced Study, where his research will critically examine reforms that seek to revolutionise education through the introduction of “21st Century models” of schooling.
Gabbie Stroud

Gabbie Stroud is a freelance writer, novelist and recovering teacher. Her critical commentary of Australia’s education system was published in Griffith Review’s Edition 51 Fixing The System. Links to the essay went ‘viral’ on social media and the essay was viewed 24 000 times within the first two weeks of publication. Teacher is Gabbie’s memoir, expanding on that essay and bringing readers into today’s challenging classrooms. Her follow up book, Dear Parents, challenges parents and caregivers to reframe their perception of our education system and to reconsider the purpose of schooling. Gabbie is a passionate advocate for change in Australia’s education system and has been a guest on The Drum, Conversations with Richard Fidler, Studio 10, Sunrise, Sixty Minutes and Q&A.