Melissa Smith

Welcome to my digital portfolio!

I am a Doctor of Education (EdD) graduate from CQU, with my thesis conferred in May 2026. My research explored the experiences of children, teachers, and volunteers in ‘reading to dogs’ reading interventions. In 2023, I was awarded a highly competitive Australian RTP stipend to support my doctoral research.

I unit coordinate and teach in education units (BEd and MTeach). I am particularly experienced in literacy teaching and secondary professional experience / pedagogy units that operate in an asynchronous, online learning environment. I also work casually for a few unis in primary and secondary content units for BEd degrees (in person delivery and online) as well as GTPA/QTPA assessment.

I deliver regular training to HDR students and classroom teachers around qualitative data, wellbeing for staff and oral presentation skills. Before moving into university teaching, I was a classroom teacher and school leader for 20 years and had a very varied career with extensive experience in trauma settings and flexible schooling.

I do public speaking around living with disability, inclusion in workplaces and different ways to respond to “but you don’t look disabled”.

I get excited about all things learning related and am a self-labeled crazy dog lady. I am heavily involved in community volunteering with programs including Labrador Rescue, Reading Dawgz and Share the Dignity.

Email: contactmelsmith@gmail.com