Geraldine Townend

Background

About Geraldine Townend

Geraldine Townend is a published academic with over a decade of experience in the field of gifted education, having expertise in the area of twice exceptionality. Geraldine completed her PhD at Griffith University in Queensland. Geraldine is now a researcher and lecturer at the University of New South Wales (Gifted Education Research and Resource Information Centre) in the areas of gifted education, gifted with learning disability, and special learning needs. Her research interests focus on supporting gifted and twice-exceptional students to aspire to their potential in education, which includes the development of positive academic self-concept. Geraldine’s research findings indicate that there are several sociological and psychological influences on academic self-concept, including a social comparison theory, and she is particularly interested in the interaction between teachers and their students. She has also focused on outcomes for pre- and post-graduate teachers’ understandings of diversity in education, including inclusive classroom practices and applications of National Curriculum. Her university teaching was recognised in 2015 with the award of Teaching Excellence Commendation. Geraldine advises government around curriculum and education, and has been featured on national TV. She has been currently working in an advisory capacity with the Department for Education, New South Wales. Geraldine conducts professional development for schools in the identification of, and support for, gifted underachievers, and has featured on Australian National television. Geraldine is a member of 'Professional Speakers Australia'. She also provides advice for parents and families of gifted and twice-exceptional students, and works closely with State and National Associations. Geraldine is a founding director of Life Global Australia - a charity to support underprivileged children in Australia and India