Staff Profiles

Dr. Devon Goodwin is a Lecturer (above the bar) and Director the the BA Children's Studies degree, School of Education. Canadian by descent, she spent many years working in residential and community based disability services. After a brief period of living in Spain where she owned her own small business, she returned to Canada to pursue qualification as a primary school teacher. She has taught both mainstream and special education, and is deeply committed to honest and progressive discussion around education for all. Pedagogically, she holds both great respect for solid traditions of the past, and great enthusiasm for the potential of new directions in higher education.

Her doctoral research was in the area of the diversification of the teaching profession, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of teachers and aspiring teachers from working class backgrounds.  Her current research interests include diversity, appropriate education for diverse needs, and alternative pedagogical approaches.  She lectures in the areas of supporting children with diverse needs, the children's policy landscape, alternative, emerging and historical pedagogical approaches, and quantitative and qualitative research methods.  

Her contributions to the Galway community include sitting on five voluntary boards of management, including most recently as Chairperson for Cuan na Gaillimhe, known more commonly as the Galway Steiner School and board member of the Galway Autism Partnership.