Dr Sarah M James | Education, Policy and ITE | Best Paper Award

Dr Sarah M James , Queensland University of Technology , Australia

Dr. Sarah M. James is a dedicated academic and researcher in education, specializing in literacy and teacher preparation. Currently, she serves as the Academic Lead for Professional Experience at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she leads a team to support over 2,650 preservice teachers annually. With a PhD from Southern Cross University focusing on effective literacy teaching, she has published extensively, contributing significantly to teacher education and literacy research. Sarah’s leadership extends to various research projects addressing the experiences of preservice teachers in rural, regional, and remote placements. Beyond her academic roles, she is committed to mentoring early career researchers and enhancing the professional development of educators. Known for her engaging teaching style and student support, Sarah fosters a collaborative environment that values diverse educational experiences.

Publication Profile

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Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Research Contributions: Dr. James has led and contributed to numerous research projects, resulting in a significant number of peer-reviewed publications. With 17 high-quality research outputs since 2020, her commitment to advancing educational research is evident.
2. Leadership in Research: She has demonstrated leadership through her roles as a lead researcher on multiple grants, managing teams effectively while addressing critical issues in education, particularly in rural, regional, and remote contexts.
3. Practical Impact: Dr. James’s research directly informs practice in teacher education, particularly regarding professional experience placements. Her work enhances understanding of the challenges faced by preservice teachers, leading to actionable insights that can improve their training.
4. Recognition and Awards: Her accolades, including the Teaching and Learning Award and the Scholarship from the Australian Government Research Training Program, reflect her excellence and dedication in academia.
5. Strong Networking and Collaboration: Dr. James actively engages with industry partners and contributes to professional development opportunities, ensuring that her research is relevant and grounded in practical experience.
6. Positive Feedback from Students and Colleagues: The testimonials highlight her supportive teaching style and effectiveness in fostering a positive learning environment, which is crucial in higher education.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Dissemination of Findings: While her research is impactful, increasing the visibility of her findings through more diverse publication outlets (e.g., blogs, webinars) could enhance outreach and application.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration with researchers from other fields could provide fresh perspectives and enrich her work, particularly in the areas of educational technology and policy reform.
3. Focus on Longitudinal Studies: Expanding her research to include longitudinal studies could provide deeper insights into the long-term impacts of her initiatives on preservice teachers’ careers and effectiveness in the classroom.

Education 

Dr. Sarah M. James holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Southern Cross University, where her research focused on the perspectives of Australian preservice teachers regarding mentoring for effective literacy teaching. She earned a Master of Education from Torrens University, specializing in Reading and Literacy, and a Bachelor of Education from Griffith University, with a focus on English and Physical Education. Currently, she is enhancing her skills in AUSLAN at QUT. Throughout her academic journey, she has maintained high academic standards, demonstrated by her impressive GPA and numerous academic awards. Sarah’s educational background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of literacy education and teacher preparation, enabling her to lead innovative research and teaching practices that benefit preservice teachers and their future students.

Experience 

Dr. Sarah M. James has a rich and varied experience in education, spanning over a decade. She currently leads the Professional Experience Office at Queensland University of Technology, supporting preservice teachers in their practical placements. Previously, she served as the Director of Professional Experience at Southern Cross University, where she significantly enhanced teacher education programs. Sarah has held various teaching roles, including Master Teacher and Head of Department at Miami State High School, where she focused on literacy and numeracy. Her international experience includes teaching English and Health and Physical Education in Jakarta, Indonesia. Throughout her career, she has actively engaged in academic leadership, curriculum development, and mentoring of novice teachers. Sarah is known for her commitment to improving educational practices and outcomes for students, consistently seeking innovative ways to enhance teacher preparation and support in diverse learning environments.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Sarah M. James has received numerous accolades throughout her academic career, reflecting her commitment to excellence in teaching and research. In 2020, she was awarded the Teaching and Learning Award by Southern Cross University for her innovative contributions to education. Additionally, she received the prestigious Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship during her PhD studies. Her early career was marked by several Academic Excellence Awards from Griffith University, showcasing her outstanding academic performance. Sarah has also been recognized for her contributions to innovative teaching practices, receiving the Award for Innovation in Teaching from Miami State High School in 2013. Her ongoing involvement in professional development initiatives for preservice teachers has earned her commendations from both colleagues and students. These honors underscore her dedication to advancing educational practices and supporting the next generation of educators.

Research Focus 

Dr. Sarah M. James’s research focuses primarily on literacy education, teacher preparation, and the experiences of preservice teachers, particularly in rural, regional, and remote contexts. Her recent projects examine the alignment between federal policies and the lived experiences of early career teachers in these placements, aiming to improve professional experience systems. She is also investigating support mechanisms for students undertaking placements in these areas to enhance their experiences. Additionally, Sarah explores flexible placement options and their impact on preservice teachers’ readiness and adaptation to diverse classroom settings. Her scholarly contributions include examining inclusive assessment practices and the role of school Professional Experience Coordinators in teacher education. Through her research, Sarah seeks to inform policy and practice, ensuring that preservice teachers are well-equipped to meet the challenges of contemporary classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and educational communities.

Publications Top Notes

• “Initial teacher education is not the problem: retaining teachers in regional, rural, and remote schools” 🏫
• “Spotlighting rural and remote inclusive assessment” 🌏
• “Improving ITE training by developing guidelines for the role of in-school coordinators before, during and after professional experience” 📘
• “Submission to the Education (General Provisions) (Helping Families with School Costs) Amendment Bill 2023 inquiry” 📝
• “Teacher of mathematics identity as a predictor of teacher wellbeing” 🔍
• “The Professional-Experience In-School Coordinator’s Role” 👩‍🏫
• “Refining mentor teachers’ feedback towards improving preservice teachers’ practice” 🔄
• “Supporting preservice teachers to transition to university through a purposely structured Health and Physical Education subject” 🏋️‍♀️
• “Primary preservice teachers’ perspectives of their literacy mentoring experiences during professional placement” 📖
• “Development of a teacher of mathematics identity (ToMI) scale” 📊
• “‘Readiness’, talent management and adaptive solutions to enable teachers in Indigenous schools to improve their teaching” 🌈
• “Secondary Preservice Teachers’ Perspectives of Their Literacy Mentoring Experiences During Professional Placement” 👩‍🎓
• “Secondary Preservice Teachers’ Perspectives of Their Literacy Mentoring Experiences During Professional Placement” 🎓

Conclusion

Dr. Sarah M. James stands out as a candidate for the Research for Best Paper Award due to her extensive research contributions, leadership, and the practical impact of her work on teacher education. Her dedication to improving professional experience placements for preservice teachers, coupled with positive feedback from peers and students, reinforces her suitability for this recognition. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, she can further amplify her contributions to the field and enhance her already impressive portfolio.