Title: Primary Course Coordinator
Company: School of Education, Curtin University
Location: Bentley, WA, Australia

To Susan Blackley, teaching is more than just a full-time job; it is a passion, vocation, and craft. She has known since she was a young girl that she wanted to be involved in the profession, and after spending more than three decades following her dreams, she has amassed a diverse background as an educator and curriculum advisor. Dr. Blackley is currently the primary course coordinator for the School of Education at Curtin University, where her responsibilities include writing and reviewing units for the Bachelor of Education program, implementing units with primary pre-service teachers, and liaising with unit coordinators, the head of the School of Education, and various directors. She also reviews program structure, undertakes developmental, collaborative or summative peer reviews of teaching across the campus, collaborates on the compilation of the assessment quality panel report for the School of Education, and works to improve the student experience, both within their studies and in their professional placements.

As a testament to her success, Dr. Blackley earned the Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award from Curtin University in 2015, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from Australian Catholic University in 2012. She attributes her success to the mentors she has had throughout her professional career. They have always been generous with their time and knowledge. If Dr. Blackley could offer some advice to the younger generation of women entering the workforce, it would be to think big but take small steps.

Dr. Blackley prepared for her career by earning a Doctor of Education from Queensland University of Technology in 2009, a Master of Education in numeracy from Queensland University of Technology in 2007, and a postgraduate diploma in professional educational studies from The University of Queensland in 1992. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Education in mathematics and science from Brisbane College of Education, earned in 1984, and a diploma of teaching in mathematics and French from Mount Gravatt Teacher’s College, earned in 1979. In the years to come, Dr. Blackley hopes to move up the educational ladder, become involved with international fellowships, network further within the STEM education community, and help expand that area within the education sector.

Contact Dr. Susan Blackley