Monash Faculty of Education Celebrates the Success of 2024

As the year wraps up, Monash University’s Faculty of Education reflects on its noteworthy successes.

Monash Education celebrates a wonderful and highly successful year, being recognised as the #1 university for Education in Australia and 8th globally. It was also hailed as the top research institution by The Australian Research Magazine 2025 list, with the top spots in Education and Teaching and Teacher Education.

From launching the Bachelor of Learning Design and Technology to pioneering world-first trauma-informed online education, and from excellence in teaching to impactful research, 2024 was a year full of remarkable achievements.

We take a look back at some of our highlights.

1. Monash Education Ranked Number 1 in Australia and Top 10 Globally

Monash Education continues to lead global university rankings, securing the top position in Australia and 8th worldwide, according to the 2024 Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

The Australian also recognised Monash as Australia's leading research institution for 2024, with the Faculty of Education excelling in 'Education' and 'Teaching and Teacher Education.' Renowned researchers, Professor Umesh Sharma and Professor Michael Henderson, spearheaded these achievements, being named lead researchers in their fields.

2. Preparing Future Teachers for Specialist and Outer Melbourne Schools

The Faculty of Education has partnered with the Victorian Government and The Principals’ Association of Specialist Schools to integrate specialist school placements into Initial Teacher Education.

Through the Placements Plus Program, Monash is facilitating the development and delivery of pre-service teacher placement programs across Melbourne's specialist schools, the Bass Coast and South Gippsland regions, as well as the South East Growth Corridor.

These programs provide invaluable experience to future teachers, ensuring that graduate teachers possess the skills and knowledge needed to support our most vulnerable students.

3. Pioneering a World-First Trauma-Informed Online Education Program

Monash University is developing the first trauma-informed framework for online education, focusing on children displaced by war, particularly in Ukraine. Experts from Monash and NGOs, including Classrooms Without Walls, collaborated internationally to co-design the framework.

Led by Monash Education’s Dr Emily Berger, the project integrates trauma expertise with advanced online teaching methods to create safe, supportive learning environments. Volunteer educators from Monash Virtual School are providing free classes globally, helping students in crisis.

Funded by the Monash Incubator Grants Scheme, the program offers critical resources to teachers and students, aiming to bring stability and hope to children affected by war.

4. Strengthening Community and Intergenerational Learning

Professor Geraldine Burke has played a pivotal role in securing Monash’s first Indigenous Industry Fellows, who collaborated with her on the We Are Well project.

The We Are Well initiative brought together Monash pre-service teachers, occupational therapy students, primary school children, adults, teachers, and Indigenous artists to explore well-being and connections to Country through strength-based approaches to art and movement.

Led by researchers from the Monash Faculty of Education and the RAIL Centre, the project partnered with McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery to connect communities and generations. By embedding the project into Monash’s art education curriculum, students gained hands-on experience creating art sessions with Indigenous artists, enhancing their educational and intergenerational skills.

5. Shaping the Future of Learning Design and Technology

This year, we launched the Bachelor of Learning Design and Technology, creating new and innovative opportunities for undergraduate students.

The Bachelor of Learning Design and Technology combines creativity, innovation, and technology to equip students with the skills to design impactful learning experiences.

With technology driving the need for continuous learning, this degree prepares graduates for exciting opportunities in industries such as gaming, healthcare, entertainment, and engineering, meeting the growing global demand for skilled learning designers.

6. Tackling Racism in Community Sport

Researchers at Monash Education have been awarded a VicHealth Research Impact Grant to spearhead a pioneering study on tackling racism in community sport. This initiative aims to not only highlight the prevalence of racism but also equip the Victorian sport sector to respond and address these issues.

This research is the first in Australia to comprehensively examine racism in community sport. By collaborating closely with individuals who have experienced racism, sporting associations, and leading experts, the project will develop evidence-based strategies to combat racism and foster inclusivity within sporting communities. Tools and resources will be created to help sporting associations, leagues, and community clubs proactively address racism through anti-racist policies and practices.

Looking Ahead

Our 2024 achievements have been groundbreaking and impactful. Steadfast dedication and passion continue to drive our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and learners. As a faculty, we will persist in delivering world-leading research and innovative approaches to education in 2025 and beyond.