Meet Wendy Taggart

BBus (UTS), MTeach (Newcastle), AARE

Why did you join the University Council?

The elected non-academic role presented a wonderful opportunity to use my extensive organisational knowledge and unique set of skills and expertise to represent our diverse professional staff and contribute to strategic decision-making. With deep concern for staff well-being and development, equity and inclusion, sustainability and furthering the University’s commitments to First Nations peoples, I was also drawn to supporting the University’s important work in these areas.

What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?

Completing the Master of Teaching here at the University was a wonderful time in my life. I valued the academic debate and inquiry, exploring different perspectives and challenging the status quo of the education system. I treasured the deep connections and friendships made with fellow students, and genuine support provided by the lecturers and tutors.

Biography

Wendy Taggart is the Executive Officer of the Teachers and Teaching Research Centre (TTRC) in the School of Education, where she manages the Centre’s operations, finance and governance. She previously worked as Senior Project Manager for the Centre, managing several large randomised controlled trials and evaluations, and teacher professional development events. As a part-time secondment, she recently managed the Future Students 2.0 project, which explored increasing student participation in our region.

Wendy is also currently a committee member of the Australian Association for Research in Education and Co-Chair of the AARE Conference Committee, in this role responsible for leading the AARE Annual Conference.

Wendy holds a Bachelor of Business (UTS) and Master of Teaching (UoN), and is a proud Mum to three current UoN students (plus one alumnus).