Katie O’Brien

Dr Katie O'Brien

Lecturer
Education

Areas of expertise: educational psychology; first year experience; mentoring

Phone: 07 36237274

Email: Katie.o'brien@acu.edu.au

ACU Location: Banyo

I have been in Education for 30 years in various positions across the Early Childhood and Primary fields, along with teaching at ACU for 15 years.

My main areas of teaching are educational psychology, early childhood curriculum and pedagogy, Primary curriculum, social and intellectual competence in the early years and early years practicums.

I am passionate about first year experience at university and run a Mentoring program for all first-year education students on the Brisbane campus. The aim is to offer initial support and to assist with transitioning into university guided by education mentors.

I am a Course Coach for first-year students entering ACU and undertake several workshops during the semester to support them with their journey.

I am also a member of the Orientation and Open Day committees whereby I liaise with colleagues across the university to support staff in creating and organising these integral days for the university across the year.

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Accolades

• Commendation letter from Head of School for outstanding Student evaluation of teaching and learning, Semester 2 2019 and semester 1 2020, 2022

Appointments

• Early Childhood Australia member, 2019-current
• Lecturer in Early Childhood and Primary Education, ACU, 2008-current

Editorial roles

• 2013 Pearson Publication
• 2016 Religious Education Journal
• 2019 Pearson Publication

Public engagement activities

• 2022 The ECA Early Career Educator Well-being Professional Conversation Night, ACU, Banyo.
• 2014 Australian Teacher Education Association Conference
• 2011 Hawaii International Conference on Education
• 2010 University of Queensland Education Conference

Projects

• 2021-current Spectrum of Engagement Self-Assessment Tool.
• This is a survey offered to first-year students to detail their engagement at university within the first semester of their university study. The tool collates data across social, academic and personal dimensions.

Publications

• O'Brien, K. (2013). Explore, create, play and learn. Early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. Pearson Australia.