Daniel Couch

Dr. Daniel Couch is a Senior Lecturer in Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of Southern Queensland’s School of Education. His research focuses on neoliberalism’s role in education, particularly in conflict-affected contexts and global educational policies. He holds a PhD from the University of Auckland and has extensive experience as a primary teacher and deputy principal in New Zealand.

His expertise spans Higher Education, Education in Emergencies, and the Sociology of Education. Key research interests include the impact of neoliberal policies on education systems, critical analyses of global education agendas (e.g., PISA), and Indigenous education in contexts like Taiwan and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Recent publications explore power dynamics in higher education during emergencies, barriers to Indigenous academic success, and the privatization of public education. He has collaborated on projects funded by USAID and UNICEF, emphasizing resilience in closed educational spaces and policy reforms in conflict zones.

Dr. Couch supervises research on special education challenges and male victims of domestic violence. His work frequently critiques colonial legacies in education and advocates for inclusive, decolonized pedagogies aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.