DrSusan Poetsch

PhD (ANU), M.A. in Applied Linguistics (Sydney), Grad Dip TEFL (Sydney), B.A. Dip. Ed. Primary (Macquarie)

Susan Poetsch teaches and coordinates units of study in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, languages education, and the Indigenous Studies Major (ISM). Her research focuses on language reclamation and maintenance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers, learners and communities. All of Susan's teaching and research is collaborative in nature, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families, organisations, leaders, language experts and educators.

Prior to her employment at Sydney University, Susan was a curriculum officer in the Board of Studies NSW. In this role she worked with Aboriginal community members, linguists and school staff to implement the Aboriginal Languages K - 10 Syllabus, developing local programs in various NSW schools; and worked with teachers and community members to incorporate Aboriginal histories and cultures in teaching programs for various curriculum areas.

Susan's experience also includes working as: research assistant on the Australian National Placenames Survey at Macquarie University; project officer for the Federation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages; teacher-linguist for the Katherine Region Aboriginal Languages Centre in the Northern Territory; English language teacher in China, Korea and Sydney and a primary school teacher on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait.