Newcastle West, New South Wales, Australia
Abbie Smith is an education researcher and mental health educator working at the intersection of teacher preparation and the wellbeing of students and teachers alike. Her PhD at the University of Newcastle examined how confident and prepared NSW secondary teachers feel to support student mental health. Inspired by this work, Abbie now facilitates training for adults who want to better support youth mental health, with a focus on making that training accessible and on addressing the systemic barriers that too often stand in the way of much-needed support. Within the School of Education, Abbie contributes to the delivery of a range of ITE courses and is deeply passionate about educating preservice teachers and equipping them with the skills the profession demands. She also serves as an Administrative Editor for Historical Encounters, a Q1 peer-reviewed journal on historical consciousness, historical cultures, and history education. She welcomes connections with researchers, educators, school leaders, and anyone working at the intersection of education and mental health.