Early childhood focused Professor appointed as Dean of Education for Uni of Melbourne 

Professor Marek Tesar, renowned for his award-winning studies focusing on early childhood education in New Zealand and internationally, has been appointed as the Dean of Education at the University of Melbourne.

Professor Tesar is currently the Head of School of Learning Development and Professional Practice, and the Associate Dean International at the Faculty of Education and Social Work, at the University of Auckland.

Drawing on his background as a teacher, Professor Tesar’s academic work focuses on education policy, philosophy, pedagogy, methodology and curriculum, merging theoretical work with a practical focus on the everyday lives of children and their childhoods in New Zealand and overseas.

HIs international leadership roles include serving as Chair of the Steering Committee of the Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE), immediate Past-President of Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia (PESA), Director of Centre for Global Childhoods and the Chair of Early Years, Childhood Studies and Child Development Research and Teaching Hub.

In 2020, Professor Tesar was appointed as a Research Fellow at SEAMEO to provide expertise on future research and development initiatives and programmes, and enhance cooperation in education, science and culture in Southeast Asia.

In 2023, he was elected as Fellow of the Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia (PESA) for his distinguished contribution to the Society and Philosophy of Education. He also co-founded and co-leads COLAB (Collaborative Online Learning Across Borders), a teaching and research programme with universities in Australia, the USA, Sweden, Indonesia, and Nepal.

Professor Tesar holds an international BA and MA in Child Education and Psychology, and Teacher Training Certification from Comenius University, and a PhD from the University of Auckland.

“After 15 rewarding years at the University of Auckland I am excited to lead the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne,” he said, commenting on his appointment.

“I look forward to engaging with the vibrant community at the University and working collaboratively in shaping an academic environment that values diversity, fairness and equity, fosters innovation and a broad research agenda, and champions academic excellence.”

Professor Tesar believes that education should be a pathway to opportunity and inclusion for all. 

“As the incoming Dean of Education, I am committed to fostering an environment where academic excellence, equity and fairness are at the core of all teaching, research, student and community engagement,” he added. 

Professor Tesar will commence in the role Monday 3 March, taking over from Professor Jim Watterston who will retire at the end of February having served with distinction as Dean of the Faculty of Education since 2018.