Sandy Nicoll

BEd(UTS), BEd(UNE), MEdWk(MQ), PhD(MQ)

OVERVIEW

Sandy's 3-decade career has been shaped by a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. She is widely recognised for her strengths-based, inclusive approach to teaching and mentoring, both in-person and through digital platforms. Her dedication to supporting students from all backgrounds is a cornerstone of her work.

Sandy's philosophy is based on building partnerships between students and educators, founded on trust, honesty, and kindness. Having lectured in both Australia and China, she brings a global perspective to her teaching, with a deep appreciation for intercultural understanding and inclusive learning.

RESEARCH

Her research is driven by a desire to ensure that new teachers feel equipped, valued, and confident as they step into diverse learning environments. Her areas of research interest are primary, inclusion, mentoring (including online), social justice and AI. She explores the practical implications of academic work in ways that offer tangible support for teachers, particularly those in their formative years. Her research aims to bridge academic insight with practical support, inclusivity, and care.

TEACHING

A highlight of her recent work includes a three-year Schools Plus action research partnership in a low socio-economic status (SES) public school in New South Wales. The project focused on mentoring early career teachers and promoting inclusive practices in a school community that included 15% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) students and 10% English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) learners.

Sandy is passionate about mentoring future teachers. She uses both traditional and digital platforms to connect with students and colleagues, encouraging reflective practice, mutual support, and community-driven education.

OTHER

Previously, Sandy served as editor of STEM Education in Australia, further demonstrating her cross-disciplinary interests and her ongoing advocacy for quality, equity, and innovation in education.

RESEARCH: ORCID