Prof Dr Donna Pendergast, Griffith University, Australia
Prof. Dr. Donna Pendergast is a prominent figure in the field of education, currently holding the role of Director of Engagement for the Arts, Education, and Law group at Griffith University. With a rich academic background and extensive professional experience, she has significantly contributed to the transformation of education and the enhancement of teacher efficacy. Dr. Pendergast has been recognized for her outstanding leadership and service to education with several prestigious awards, including the Australian Council of Deans of Education Award for Outstanding Service to Education (2022) and the Miller-Grassie Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education (2018). Her research focuses on critical areas such as adolescent learning, school reform, and teacher education, making her a leading voice in educational innovation and development.
Orcid
Education
Doctor of Philosophy: Queensland University of Technology, 2000
Master of Education: University of New England, 1992
Graduate Diploma of Teaching: Queensland University of Technology, 1983
Bachelor of Applied Science: Queensland University of Technology, 1982
Professional Experience
Prof. Dr. Donna Pendergast currently serves as the Director of Engagement for the Arts, Education, and Law group at Griffith University, a position she has held since 2023. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington (2022-2025). Previously, she was the Dean and Head of the School of Education and Professional Studies at Griffith University from 2011 to 2023 and served as the Head of the same school from 2009 to 2010. Dr. Pendergast has been a member of the Griffith Institute for Educational Research since 2008.
Research focus
Education transformation
Teacher self-efficacy
Adolescent learning, engagement, and well-being
Initial and professional teacher education
School reform
Publication top notes
Mapping the intellectual structure and knowledge base of food literacy research: a bibliometric analysis
Sense of Belonging Pre/Post Transition to Secondary School: Privileging Student Voice
“Teachers Are Rock Stars!” Rethinking Teaching and Teacher Education in a Post-Pandemic World: Innovative Disruption and Silver Linings
Public commentary on teacher quality: an analysis of media comment on the teaching performance assessment
Teaching food literacy in Queensland secondary schools: The influence of curriculum