BSc(Hons) DipEd BEd

Roger is a semi-failed retiree; ex-secondary teacher; ex-youth sector policy worker; ex-University researcher; ex-consultant; ex-editor, Connect. Currently: presenter of the Global Village on PBS 106.7 FM

PhD (University of Queensland)

The core focus of my work is making a difference through differences that matter (Barad, 2007) to marginalised young people, their teachers, schools and communities, as well as my own undergraduate and postgraduate students. I am dedicated to creative, yet robust forms of research which enable marginalised young people to work towards more hopeful futures than those suggested by the ‘at risk’ and ‘disengaged’ policy tags. I recently developed a new research methodology called youth-adult participatory action research, or YAPAR (Howell, 2023)… Read more

Master of Education (Leadership)

Melinda's experience in education, primary school teaching, research and
teacher education extends over 25 years. Her research focuses on how critical and creative thinking and collaboration can be meaningfully enacted and supported within an interdisciplinary (STEAM), guided inquiry, semiotics-grounded approach. She advocates for contextual responsive and situated learning within a community of inquiry (CoI) and learning (CoL), with attention to student voice and agency and enabling pedagogy and learning
design… Read more

As a passionate community leader, Thomas founded Per Vocem Vita, an organisation with over 90 volunteers aged 15-19, that offers free public speaking and debating workshops to primary schoolers across Melbourne, where he experiences firsthand the power that students have in their communities. As the youngest ever elected chair of the Monash Youth Committee, Thomas represents the more than 50,000 young people in the City of Monash aged from 12-25 to council. Additionally, he has also worked with Victorian MP Matt Fregon to formulate youth policy. He is currently finishing year 11 and moving into year 12.

PhD (University of New England)

Dr Jonathon Sargeant is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Children’s Rights, Inclusive Education, Classroom Management and Physical Education. He has published widely on children's education and participation rights, student wellbeing and ethical research with children. His current research focus is on the practical application of the child’s voice in education settings to enhance child safety, as well as incorporating children and young people's perspectives in ethical practices… Read more

BA (Deakin University)

Mitch is the Founder of the Australian Council for Student Voice. Mitch worked with a passionate team to build the ACSV following the 2019 Student Voice Conference, in response to the need for a national body to bring the sector together. He is passionate about youth advocacy and empowerment, particularly in civics education. Mitch is currently completing his Master of International Relations at Deakin University.