David Armstrong

David Armstrong is Associate Professor in Inclusive and Specialist Education at La Trobe University's School of Education, internationally recognized for advancing educational inclusion and ethically sound disability education. As a trusted advisor to Australian federal/state governments, disability advocacy organizations, and international human-rights bodies, he leads translational research addressing complex educational challenges.

His educational background includes a PhD in Inclusive Educational Curriculum from De Montfort University (1994-1998), MEd Psychology with British Psychological Society accreditation from University of Manchester (2005-2006), and PG Diploma in Specialist Teaching from London South Bank University (1999-2000).

• Research focuses on transnational educational equity with core areas: Disability Inclusion, Evidence-Based Teaching, Mental Health Literacy, Behaviour in Schools, Dyslexia/ADHD, and Multidisciplinary Teams
• Key funded projects: Occupational Violence reduction in schools, Suspension reduction for disabled students, Culturally responsive First Nations education, NDIS reform leveraging school impacts, and International school attendance analysis
• Served as expert witness and scoping consultant for Australia's Disability Royal Commission (2020-2023)
• Regular media commentator for SBS and ABC on disability inclusion and educational policy
• Lead author of Educational Trends Exposed (2022) analyzing global educational trends

His 15 most recent publications reveal strong emphasis on policy-practice translation, with recurring themes in disability rights, suspension reduction, and wicked problems theory applied to educational behavior challenges. Research spans Australian, UK, and Asia-Pacific contexts with significant policy impact including Disability Royal Commission contributions.

Current leadership includes the Momentum Schools Extension Project (2025-2027) funded by Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, focusing on inclusive educational models. His work consistently bridges academic research with frontline educational practice through partnerships with schools, regulators, and disability organizations.