Professor Donna Pendergast

Professor Donna Pendergast
BAppSci GradDipTeach MEd PhD
Non-Executive Director

Professor Donna Pendergast was appointed to the AITSL Board on 17 June 2018 and reappointed for a second term effective from 31 September 2021.

As Director of the Engagement of the Arts, Education and Law Group, and former Dean and Head, School of Education and Professional Studies for 14 years, at Griffith University, Donna is a passionate educator and researcher with a global profile. She leads a dynamic teacher and professional educators committed to preparing the next generation of teachers and related professionals through agile and socially just educational practices. She has worked in P-10, secondary schools, and senior colleges as a classroom teacher and administrator.

Donna has conducted national research projects of significance and published extensively, including several books of relevance to contemporary teacher work. Her passion lies in school reform and professional learning, working closely with governments in these fields to shape policy and implement practice in settings around Australia. She initiated the Professional Learning Hub at Griffith University, providing a gateway to enable highly efficacious professional learning to thrive and improved student learning.

Donna has presented more than 95 invitational international keynote addresses in many countries around the world. She has delivered learning programs in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, and to Saudi Arabian teachers undertaking immersion programs in Australia.

In 2015, Donna received the Griffith University Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Supervision Award, and in 2017, a National Commendation from the Australian Council of Graduate Research for Excellence in Graduate Research Supervision. In 2018, she was awarded the Australian Council for Educational Leadership Miller-Grassie Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education. In 2022, Donna was awarded the Australian Council of Deans of Education (AARE) Award for Outstanding Contribution to AARE and the profession.