Melanie Nash

Associate Professor Melanie Nash, is a dedicated educator, currently serving as the Director of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) at RMIT University. With a rich background spanning both secondary school environments and teacher education, Melanie is deeply committed to elevating the standard of teacher education and professional growth. 

Throughout her career, Melanie has held pivotal leadership roles, notably as the Academic Director of Professional Experience at RMIT. In this capacity, she spearheaded the development of robust, enduring partnerships between schools and the university, ensuring a sustainable framework for high-quality educational practices. Her proactive approach has led to securing significant funding from government sources to bolster these partnerships, strengthening their effectiveness and impact on ITE.

At the heart of Melanie's work lies her passion for research. Her focus encompasses exploring the impact of professional practice experiences (WIL), fostering collaborative designs for school-university partnerships, navigating education within diverse settings, cultivating professional learning communities, and advancing the preparation of science teachers.

Melanie's expertise and dedication extend beyond her administrative roles; she actively contributes to the evolution of teacher education through her scholarly pursuits and hands-on engagement in educational practices.

Industry experience:

Melanie boasts an extensive career in education, showcasing her versatility across various contexts and roles. Her 14 years in secondary school settings encompassed teaching in general science, chemistry, and physical education. Notably, she held positions as a middle years coordinator and science coordinator, demonstrating her administrative capabilities alongside her teaching prowess.

Transitioning to tertiary education institutions, Melanie has dedicated 20 years to course and program leadership, refining her expertise in educational leadership and curriculum development. Her involvement in professional experience leadership further underscores her commitment to fostering growth and development within educational partnerships.

Melanie's skill in crafting and delivering professional learning opportunities for teachers is an example of her passion for ongoing education and support within the teaching community. Her ability to design effective learning experiences highlights her dedication to enhancing teaching practices and nurturing educator development.