Stephanie Menzies

Stephanie Menzies serves as an Associate Lecturer and First Year Lead within the School of Education and Tertiary Access at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Her academic profile demonstrates strong commitment to educational innovation through roles spanning primary school teaching, SPELD instruction, and Reading Recovery programs. Her institutional affiliations center on teacher development and student transition support.

Her research interests form a cohesive focus on enhancing educational experiences through Play Based Learning across all teaching levels, inclusive pedagogical practices inspired by New Zealand's education system, and the critical balance between academic rigor and student wellbeing. Menzies investigates how teachers mitigate student stress while maintaining performance standards, examines social media's dual role in teacher agency and wellbeing, and explores transformative learning through natural environments.

Analysis of her publication timeline reveals increasing focus on systemic educational challenges, particularly teacher-student wellbeing dynamics and institutional pressures. Her collaborative work consistently addresses Australian educational contexts while contributing to international discourse on teacher professionalism. Key recurring themes include the tightrope walk between academic agendas and mental health support, and the philosophical framework of 'respect, rights, and responsibilities' derived from human rights principles.

• AHE Advanced Higher Education Academy Membership

Menzies actively supports first-year student transition through coordinated university activities while maintaining strong connections to classroom teaching realities. Her work with the Teachers of Australia social media campaign demonstrates commitment to elevating the teaching profession's public perception. Current research trajectories indicate growing emphasis on sustainable pedagogical models and teacher resilience strategies within high-pressure educational environments.

Her laboratory and team affiliations include the Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre and collaborative projects with the School of Education, featuring regular partnerships with researchers like Alison Willis and Catherine Thiele on multi-institutional studies examining teacher wellbeing and innovative learning environments.