Professional Practice Fellow
DipTch, BEd, MSc(Maths Ed)
Dunedin Campus
Tel +64 3 479 8823
Email melissa.bell@otago.ac.nz
Biography
I am a graduate of the Dunedin College of Education, and have completed a major in History at Otago University. I am a primary trained teacher, but have worked in both primary and secondary schools, as well as in initial teacher education and in-service teacher support. I have a real passion for History education, and I am commencing my PhD research focusing on the place of controversial histories in New Zealand secondary schools. I also have an interest in school leadership, and have spent seven years as a secondary school principal. I have an interest in the transition from initial teacher education to the classroom, and have extensive experience in coaching and mentoring new teachers in schools. My Masters research considered the impact of a peer coaching model for primary teachers in initial teacher education programmes.
Teaching Areas
- Professional practice
- Evidence-based inquiry in professional practice
Research interests
- Curriculum design
- History education
- Transitions from initial teacher education to schools
- School leadership