Professor Donna Pendergast AM

Featured Speaker

Professor of Education & Director of Engagement, Griffith University

Professor Donna Pendergast AM has led education reform for more than two decades as Dean of Education at Griffith University and through senior roles with AITSL and QELi. Her research and policy work focus on teacher wellbeing, workforce sustainability and the cultural conditions that allow schools to thrive. She currently chairs Queensland's Anti-Bullying Expert Advisory Committee and leads national projects addressing occupational violence and aggression in schools.

Sessions at COSC 2026

Breakout Session Day 1 or Day 2 • Block Session

Wellbeing as Workplace Culture

Drawing on data from the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey, Professor Pendergast shows how staff wellbeing affects retention, engagement and student outcomes. She outlines system-level actions that convert research into sustainable practice and leadership accountability.

Key Ideas