Dr Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach

Lecturer, Master of Teaching (Secondary) Internship

Get to know Dr Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach, long-distance walker, lecturer and Course Co-ordinator for our Master of Teaching (Secondary) Intenship.

Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach
Dr Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach

Q: Do you mind giving a short introduction to your background?

My career has been one of transitions and this is why I am interested in the transitions of others. I worked for over 30 years in secondary schools in the US, in NSW and in Victoria, teaching VCE and IB Mathematics and Physics and junior science and mathematics at many different levels.

I also have a high profile position with the International Baccalaureate Organisation as a teacher, coordinator of the IB Diploma Programme, assessor and Deputy Chief Examiner.

In recent years I completed a PhD on the transition of mature-age students to university, I am very interested in transitions, as pre-service teachers to early-career teachers, as mature-age students to university and as students who are prepared to be career changers to students and internship teachers.

Q: Do you have a particular area of research/specialisation?

Transitions, especially from pre-service teacher to early-career teacher, STEM takeup in secondary schools and scientific reasoning competencies of pre-service and early career teachers.

Q: Do you have a defining moment or influential person who encouraged you to pursue education?

Dr Richard Gunstone (Monash University).

Q: What advice would you give to those students thinking about taking your course?

The advice I would give any student commencing a subject or course is to engage with the content and communicate with your colleagues and with the tutor.

Q: What are your passions outside of education?

I am a long distance walker. I have walked a major part of the Camino in Spain, the La Roya Valley in Italy and France, across Ischia in Croatia, from coast to coast in the UK, around the coast of Cornwall and Wales in Britain, from Siena to Lucca In Italy and also locally in Victoria.

I have a very happy family life; my family are my best friends and walking colleagues. I also love my dog and she is also a good walker. We go out walking twice each day. I love the beach. We are extremely fortunate to be able to access the beach most weekends.

I contribute to volunteer projects as much as I can. I work with the State Parks, Cherished Pets, and a local OP Shop to provide time and expertise where I can.

Read Dr Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach's biography here.

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