Mrs Elspeth Stephenson

Elspeth Stephenson is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education with the De Lissa Research Institute, in the School of Education. She has worked as a kindergarten and primary school teacher in both England and Australia. Also as a teacher trainer, Mandatory Notification Trainer, and as a tutor for children with disabilities.

Elspeth has studied many aspects of children's emotional health and well-being, with a particular focus on those with special needs (such as autism), as well as conducting programs for gifted children.

Research projects over the years have included: The use of the concept keyboard in developing an understanding of the musical concept of high and low (1987); Integrating the Arts (1988); What do children worry about? (1998); External study and student teaching with Victoria Whitington and Anne Glover (2004).

Elspeth is currently working towards a PhD in Education with UniSA looking at - An investigation of young children’s understanding of wellbeing during transition from pre-school to school..

Early Childhood Australia

World Organisation for Early Childhood Education - OMEP Australia

2003-Present - Doctor of Philosophy (in progress)
University of South Australia

1998 - Master of Special Education (Behaviour Management)
Flinders University

1987 - Bachelor of Education (Honours)
Manchester Polytechnic University

• The emotional well being of children
• Inclusion - meeting the individual needs of children
• Guiding children’s behaviour
• Supporting the professional development of pre-service and in-service teachers

Whitington, V., Glover, A. and Stephenson, E. (2008) Tertiary teaching and learning in Papua New Guinea – building effective intercultural learning and teaching relationships, Journal of Educational Enquiry, Vol. 8, No. 1.

Christie, E. & MacMullin, C (1998) What do children worry about? Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling Vol 8, No. 1.

Christie, E (1998) What do children worry about? Masters Thesis, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA.