Melanie Nash

Associate Professor Melanie Nash is a dedicated educator and the Director of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) at RMIT University. With a career spanning both secondary education and teacher preparation, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of teacher development and professional learning.

Her journey in education began with 14 years in secondary schools, where she taught general science, chemistry, and physical education. She also held leadership roles, including Middle Years Coordinator and Science Coordinator, developing a balanced approach to teaching and management. These experiences laid the groundwork for her expertise in fostering excellence in education.

Building on her school-based experience, she transitioned to higher education, where she has spent 22 years leading courses and programs in science, STEM, and coaching. Her work in professional experience programs has enriched her understanding of teacher development and curriculum implementation. As an experienced PhD supervisor, she has guided numerous doctoral candidates to achieve their academic and research goals.

Her leadership roles in higher education include serving as the Academic Director of Professional Experience at RMIT. In this role, she led the development of enduring school-university partnerships, creating a strong framework for high-quality educational practices. These strategic initiatives attracted significant government funding, further enhancing collaborative efforts and driving innovation in teacher education.

Her research focuses on several key areas, including STEM education, where she works to equip future science and STEM teachers with the skills and confidence needed for success in the classroom. She also explores the design and evaluation of school-university partnerships, emphasising their role in supporting pre-service and in-service teacher development.

In addition, she investigates learning in diverse, non-traditional settings, such as forest schools, museums, and sporting environments, examining the unique opportunities and challenges they present. Another focus of her work is on professional learning communities and communities of practice, where she identifies strategies to support teacher growth, reflection, and collaboration.

Beyond her research, she is a talented educator known for designing and delivering meaningful professional learning opportunities for teachers. Her ability to create practical and impactful learning experiences is reflected in consistently excellent feedback from student evaluations. Her dedication to supporting educators and contributing to student success is a hallmark of her career, inspiring learners at all levels.

Through her extensive experience and innovative approaches, she continues to advance education across multiple dimensions, championing impactful practices that enhance both teaching and learning.