Lauren Stephenson

Professor, School of Education Sydney

Email: sydney.education@nd.edu.au
Phone: (02) 8204 4226

  • Biography

    Lauren Stephenson is a Professor of Learning, Teaching, Educational Leadership, Management and Administration (ELMA) with over 35 years in international leadership, teaching, learning and assessment in Pre K-16 educational contexts. She has taught and published in the fields of intercultural competence, international education, educational leadership, EALD/TESOL, English language and literacy, teacher education, qualitative research methods, and workplace, service and professional learning.  She has over 30 years of international experience in a range of educational leadership roles including positions as Dean, Head, Chair, Deputy Head, National Director and National Coordinator. Lauren has an extensive record of international publications, regularly speaks at global conferences and has given presentations and implemented professional development programs in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, the Middle East and the US.

  • Teaching Areas

    • English language literacy
    • English Grammar
    • Educational leadership
    • TESOL methods
    • Teacher education
    • Professional learning
    • Adult and workplace learning
    • EAL/D
    • Second Language Aquisition
    • Action research
    • Autoethnography
    • Narrative inquiry

  • Research Expertise and Supervision

    Funded Research Grants

    • 2020: Stephenson, L., Handal, B., Glynn, R., Watson, K., Demos, R., Sze, C. & Mascorella, J. Professional experience in times of COVID-19: A case study of a university-school partnership.
    • 2019: Stephenson, L., Bellen, L., McKenna, L. Professional learning and the supervision of initial teacher education students in the early years.
    • 2015: Chapman, A (PI). Stephenson, L (CoPI) (2015-2016) Aspirations Research through Step Up into Teaching, Parramatta CEO
    • 2011: Stephenson, L.(PI), Harold. B. & Dada, R. (2011) Capturing the Voices: The impact of teacher-leaders on school improvement in UAE schools. Teacher Leadership in the UAE. Emirates Foundation Grant
    • 2010: Harold, B. & Stephenson, L., (Co-PI) Leadership in Action: The practices of emerging and experienced educational leaders in the UAE (Co PI) Zayed University Research Incentive Fund.
    • 2007: Harold, B. & Stephenson, L., Learning to be leaders: The construction of professional identity by Emirati teachers and leaders, Zayed University Research Incentive Fund.
    • 2007: Stephenson, L., (PI) Harold, B., & Dada, R., English language teachers' approaches to the teaching of reading in upper primary grades in government schools in the UAE , Zayed University Research Incentive Fund.
    • 2005: Stephenson, L., (PI) The impact of site-based professional development on the classroom practice of teachers in the UAE. Zayed University Research Incentive Fund.

    Research Reports

    • 2010: Harold, B., Stephenson, L., & Gifford, D., Visions of Leadership: A Year-long Conversation.

  • Books

    • Stephenson, L. Harold, B. & Badri, R. (2018) Leading Learning: Women making a difference. Brill Publishers

    Co-editor: Book

    • 2020:  Coombe, C., Anderson, N. & Stephenson, L. (2020). Professionalizing Your English Language Teaching. Springer.
    • 2011:  Leadership and Management in ELT. TESOL Arabia Publications
    • 2008:  Leadership in English Language Teaching and Learning, University of Michigan Press.
    • 2007:  Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development: Insights from the Arabian Gulf

  • Book Chapters

    • Stephenson, L., Handal, B., Watson, K., Glynn, R., Mascorella, J., Demos. R. & Sze, C. (2022). Professional experience in times of COVID-19. In Winslade, M., Loughland, T., & Eady, M .J.  (Eds.) Work-Integrated Learning Case Studies in Teacher Education: Epistemic Reflexivity. Springer.
    • Stephenson, L. (2020). Developing Leadership Capacity in English Language Teaching in Coombe, C., Anderson, N. & Stephenson, L. (Eds.). Professionalizing Your English Language Teaching. Springer.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2019) Leadership development in the UAE: Critical perspectives on intercultural pedagogies in a graduate education program in Samier, E. & El Kaleh, E. (Eds.) Teaching Educational Leadership in Muslim Countries: Theoretical, Historical and Cultural Foundations. Singapore: Springer.
    • Stephenson, L. (2018). Developing Leadership Capacity Through Leadership Learning Opportunities (2018) in Elsheikh, A., Coombe, C.,  & Effiong, O.(Eds.) The Role of Language Teacher Associations in Professional Development. Springer.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2019) Leadership development in the UAE: Critical perspectives on intercultural pedagogies in a graduate education program in Samier, E. & El Kaleh, E. (Eds.)Springer.
    • Stephenson, L. (2018). Developing leadership capacity through leadership learning opportunities. Elsheik, A., Coombe, C. & Okon, E. (Eds). International Perspectives on Language Teacher Associations. Springer
    • Lee, D. & Stephenson, L. (under contract) Improving Professional Experience for Initial Teacher Education Students through innovative partnerships. In Aspland, T and Barbousos, B. (Eds). Professional Experience Case Studies.
    • Stephenson, L & Harold, B. (2015). Narrative inquiry in English language education. In Coombe, C. & Douglas Brown, J.D (Eds.) The Cambridge Guide to Research in Language Learning and Teaching. CUP.
    • Stephenson, L. & England, N. (2013). L2 teaching methodology in the Middle East,  The Middle East Handbook of Applied Linguistics. In C. Coombe & R. Akbahri  (Eds.) TESOL Arabia Publications.
    • Coombe, C., Akbahri, R., & Stephenson, L. (2013). L2 teacher education in the Middle East.,  In Coombe, C., & Akbahri, R. (Ed.) The Middle East Handbook of Applied Linguistics. TESOL Arabia Publications.
    • Stephenson, L. (2011). Effective leadership: Voices in English language teaching,  In Coombe, C., Stephenson, L. & Abu Rmaileh, S (Ed.) Leadership and Management in English Language Teaching. TESOL Arabia Publications.
    • Stephenson, L. (2011). Developing leadership education: A transformative leadership perspective.  In Shields, C. (Ed.) Transformative Leadership: A Reader. Peter Lang Publishers.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2011). Emergent leadership development through undergraduate research.Teaching and Learning in the Arab World. Peter Lang Publishers.
    • Stephenson, L. (2011). New leadership perspectives and leadership development in ELT,  In Coombe, C., Stephenson, L. & Abu Rmaileh, S. (Eds.) (Ed.) Leadership and Management in ELT. TESOL Arabia Publications.
    • Stephenson, L., Harold, B., & Dada, R. (2009). "Improving the teaching of reading through teacher leadership and professional learning in ELL middle school classrooms", Global Encounters - Pedagogical Paradigms and Educational Practices. Cambridge Scholars Press.
    • Stephenson, L. T. (2008). "Leadership theories, educational change and developing a learning organization",  In C. Coombe, M. MClouskey, L. Stephenson & N. Anderson (Ed.) Leadership in English Language Teaching and Learning. USA:  University of Michigan Press.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2008). "The effective integration of technology into ELT classrooms",  In P. Davidson (Ed.) (Ed.) Technology in the Classroom: Insights from the Arabian Gulf. Dubai, UAE:  TESOL Arabia.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2008). "Implementing school-based communities of practice for ELT professional development",  In M.E Vethamani & M. K Kabilan (Eds.). (Ed.) Teacher Development in ELT. Malaysian English Language Teaching.
    • Stephenson, L. & McNally, P. (2007). "Creating teacher leaders through communities of practice",  In L. Stephenson & P. Davidson (Eds.). (Ed.) Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development: Insights from the Arabian Gulf. Dubai:  TESOL Arabia.
    • Stephenson, L. (2007). "Investigating teacher learning",  In L. Stephenson & P. Davidson (Eds.) (Ed.) Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development: Insights from the Arabian Gulf. Dubai:  TESOL Arabia.
    • Stephenson, L. (2005). "Developing and implementing a model of assessment of university wide learning outcomes",  In P. Davidson, C. Coombe & W. Jones (Eds.) (Ed.) Assessment in the Arab World, (pp. 113-130). Dubai:  TESOL Arabia.

  • Journal Articles and Proceedings

    Refereed Articles  

    Refereed Proceedings  

    • Stephenson, L. & Murray, J. (2013).  Linking international education to locality. Proceedings from the Gulf Comparative Education Society, March 16-18, 2013. Muscat,Oman. http://www.alqasimifoundation.com/Libraries/Publications/2013_GCES_Proceedings_Final.sflb.ashx
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2010).  A case study of university wide student leadership curriculum renewal.   The IX Annual Worldwide Forum on Education and Culture, Rome, Italy.
    • Stephenson, L. (2007).  Assessing learner awareness of linguistic and literary codes.   Current Trends in English Language Testing Conference.
    • Stephenson, L. & Cook, J. (2005).  A model and a framework for achieving writing standards.   10th TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, 9, 53-66.

    Selected Refereed Papers  

    • Stephenson, L., Monteleone, C. Halliday, K., Munns, A. Almelor, M,  Pollock, F., Han, S.  (2017). A Critical Analysis of School-University partnerships: A Community of Practice Model (CoP). ATEA 5-7 July, 2017
    • Stephenson, L. (2017).  Leading Learning in the TESOL Context. Invited Plenary Speaker. University English Centres Australia Professional Development Festival, University of Sydney (13 May 2017)
    • Stephenson, L. (2017).  Leading Learning in the TESOL Context. Invited Plenary Speaker, Insearch, University of Technology, Sydney (26 May 2017)
    • Halliday, K., Munns, Stephenson, L., Monteleone (2017) Professional Experience Hub, Community of Practice Model: The Critical Role of the Mentor.  Paper accepted at the Department of Education’s Professional Experience Hubs Conference Novotel Sydney (18 May 2017)
    • Almelor, M, Pollock, F., Han, S. Monteleone, C. & Stephenson, L., (2017) Growing our Future Teachers. Paper accepted at the Department of Education’s Professional Experience Hubs Conference Novotel Sydney (18 May 2017)
    • Stephenson, L & Halliday, K. (2016). A Community of Practice Model (CoP) of Professional Experience through Innovative School-University Partnerships. Paper accepted at the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Annual Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 27 Nov -1 Dec 2016.
    • Harold, B & Stephenson, L. (2016).  Preparing ‘classroom ready’ teachers: A critical analysis of a school-university partnership. Paper accepted at the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Annual Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 27 Nov -1 Dec 2016.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2016). Collaborative auto-ethnography: A fresh perspective on the analysis of educational leadership practice.  British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference,  Leeds, United Kingdom, 15-17 September 2016.
    • Harold, B & Stephenson, L. (2015).  A decade of collaborative leadership practice and research: Who are we and what do we know? Paper accepted at the Australian Association for Research in Education Annual Conference, Freemantle, Australia, 28 Nov -2 Dec 2015.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2015). Building a community of leadership practice within a graduate program: Fresh perspectives on Action Research.  British Educational Research Association (BERA), Belfast, Ireland, 15-17 September 2015.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2015). Teacher Leadership Development in Initial Teacher Education. Making the Case—Quality of Assessments and Data strand at the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Conference, Denver, USA, 7-10 April 2015.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2014). Views of the teaching profession: An Emirati perspective.
    • Australian Association for Educational Research (AARE) Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 30 Nov-4 Dec, 2014.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2014). The Application of Research to Teacher Leadership Development. British Educational Research Association, London, United Kingdom, September, 2014.
    • Dada, R., Stephenson. L. Harold, B. (2014)  Integrating knowledge and skills development with practice: A case study of collaborations for teacher development , Abstract accepted and paper to be presented for American Educational Research Association (AERA), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (3 April 2014).
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. & (2014,). Pre-service teacher leadership development for educational reform in the UAE . International Technology, Education and Development Conference(INTED 2014), Valencia, Spain,  March, 2104.

  • Conference Papers

    Presentation of Refereed Papers

    • 2022, Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Annual Conference
    • 2019, Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Annual Conference
    • 2018, Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Annual Conference
    • Stephenson, L., Monteleone, C. Halliday, K., Munns, A. Almelor, M, Pollock, F., Han, S. (2017). A Critical Analysis of School-University partnerships: A Community of Practice Model (CoP). ATEA 5-7 July, 2017
    • Stephenson, L. (2017). Leading Learning in the TESOL Context. Invited Plenary Speaker. University English Centres Australia Professional Development Festival, University of Sydney (13 May 2017)
    • Stephenson, L. (2017). Leading Learning in the TESOL Context. Invited Plenary Speaker, Insearch, University of Technology, Sydney (26 May 2017)
    • Halliday, K., Munns, Stephenson, L., Monteleone (2017) Professional Experience Hub, Community of Practice Model: The Critical Role of the Mentor. Paper accepted at the Department of Education’s Professional Experience Hubs Conference Novotel Sydney (18 May 2017)
    • Almelor, M, Pollock, F., Han, S. Monteleone, C. & Stephenson, L., (2017) Growing our Future Teachers. Paper accepted at the Department of Education’s Professional Experience Hubs Conference Novotel Sydney (18 May 2017)
    • Stephenson, L & Halliday, K. (2016). A Community of Practice Model (CoP) of Professional Experience through Innovative School-University Partnerships. Paper accepted at the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Annual Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 27 Nov -1 Dec 2016.
    • Harold, B & Stephenson, L. (2016). Preparing ‘classroom ready’ teachers: A critical analysis of a school-university partnership. Paper accepted at the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Annual Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 27 Nov -1 Dec 2016.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2016). Collaborative auto-ethnography: A fresh perspective on the analysis of educational leadership practice. British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, Leeds, United Kingdom, 15-17 September 2016.
    • Harold, B & Stephenson, L. (2015). A decade of collaborative leadership practice and research:
    • Who are we and what do we know? Paper accepted at the Australian Association for Research in Education Annual Conference, Freemantle, Australia, 28 Nov -2 Dec 2015.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2015). Building a community of leadership practice within a graduate program: Fresh perspectives on Action Research. British Educational Research Association (BERA), Belfast, Ireland, 15-17 September 2015.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2015). Teacher Leadership Development in Initial Teacher Education. Making the Case—Quality of Assessments and Data strand at the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Conference, Denver, USA, 7-10 April 2015.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2014). Views of the teaching profession: An Emirati perspective.
    • Australian Association for Educational Research (AARE) Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 30 Nov-4 Dec, 2014.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2014). The Application of Research to Teacher Leadership Development. British Educational Research Association, London, United Kingdom, September, 2014.
    • Dada, R., Stephenson. L. Harold, B. (2014) Integrating knowledge and skills development with practice: A case study of collaborations for teacher development , Abstract accepted and paper to be presented for American Educational Research Association (AERA), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (3 April 2014).
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. & (2014,). Pre-service teacher leadership development for educational reform in the UAE . International Technology, Education and Development Conference(INTED 2014), Valencia, Spain, March, 2104.
    • Stephenson, L & Harold, B. (2013). Linking leadership education to locality: A framework for embedding local culture, beliefs and values within an international university curriculum. Dubai School of Government. Dubai. June 2013.
    • Stephenson, L (2013). Television Interview on 24/7 for Dubai One. Localising women’s leadership programs in the Emirates. Available online at http://vod.dmi.ae/media/230019/Emirates_24_7_Season_4_Ep_169
    • Stephenson, L. & Howard, L., Gray, J., & Johal, R. (2013). Individual and Collective Learning through Collaborative Action Research. Paper presented at the Sharjah Teachers Voices Symposium (March, 2013)
    • Stephenson, L. (2013). Featured workshop on Language Analysis for Teaching Purposes for the Certificate in Teacher Leadership Program, Dubai, HCT. (February, 2013)
    • Stephenson, L & Harold, B. (2013). Teacher Leadership for Educational Effectiveness. Plenary presentation at the 5th Teacher Leadership Academy, Dubai. December, 2012)
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L.(2013, November)Teacher leadership development in initial teacher education. Paper presented at the Australian Association for Research in Education Annual Conference, Adelaide, Australia.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2013, October). Building a conceptual framework for the development of an undergraduate leadership curriculum in a UAE university (Refereed abstract). International Leadership Association, Montreal, Canada.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L (2013). From transactional to transformative: The longitudinal development of a UniversitySchool partnership model for teacher education , British Educational Research Association, Brighton, United Kingdom, September, 2013.
    • Stephenson, L. Harold, B.and McInnis, A (2013) Reflective Practice through Action Research in a Grade 5 Math Class. Paper presented at the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Annual Conference. Chicago (March 2013).
    • Stephenson, L. & Murray, J. (2013). Linking learning to locality: A framework for embedding local culture, action, respect and environment (CARE) within an international primary curriculum. Gulf Comparative Education Society (GCES) Fourth Annual GCES Symposium Bridging the Policy, Research Divide in Education in the GCC Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman March 17-18, 2013
    • Stephenson, L. (2012). Plenary: Teacher leadership for professional development (refereed abstract). Performance Management and Teacher Professional Development Conference, Dubai. Ajman University of Science and Technology, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, (28 April, 2012).
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2012). Organizational learning (refereed abstract). Featured Speaker at the Performance Management and Teacher Professional Development Conference Ajman University of Science and Technology Ajman, United Arab Emirates (28 April, 2012).
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2012). Featured Workshop on Teacher leadership (refereed abstract). 4th Annual Leadership Academy. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Howard, E. (2012). Plenary The role of teacher leadership in teacher education in the UAE (refereed abstract). 4th Annual Leadership Academy. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Howard, E. (2012). Teacher leadership in teacher education in the UAE . Lead Practitioner Accreditation in Teacher Leadership, SSAT. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2012, November). Teacher leadership in UAE schools: Characteristics, practices, challenges and rewards. Paper presented at the Australian Association for Research in Education Annual Conference, Sydney, Australia.
    • Stephenson, L. & Howard, E; Johal, R; Gray, J. (2012)Teachers’ Legitimizing their Voices through Action Research (refereed abstract). The XI Annual Worldwide Forum on Education and Culture, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy.
    • Stephenson, L. & McInnis, A. (2012). The impact of Oral and Written Feedback on Student Learning . (refereed abstract). The XI Annual Worldwide Forum on Education and Culture, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2012, November). Teacher leadership in Action (refereed abstract). Paper presented at the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management Conference. Commonwealth Council for Educational Management and Administration, Limassol, Cyprus
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2011, October). Evaluating the Development of Teacher Leadership Through Action Research. ( refereed abstract). International Leadership Association, Boston, Massachusetts.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2011, November). The Practices and Beliefs of Emerging Teacher Leaders in the UAE.(refereed abstract). Paper presented at the Australian Association for Research in Education Annual Conference, Hobart, Australia- TAS.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2011). Emirati leadership perspectives: Implications for theory and practice.(refereed abstract). Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, London, United Kingdom.
    • Stephenson, L. & Howard, E. (2011). The impact of teacher leadership on teacher education in the UAE. refereed abstract). The X Annual Worldwide Forum on Education and Culture, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2010, November). Initiating and leading student leadership curriculum reform: A case study (refereed abstract). Australian Association for Research in Education, Melbourne, Australia- VIC.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2010, October). Leadership education for a new generation: Building capacity through organizational learning and curriculum renewal (refereed abstract). International Leadership Association, Boston, Massachusetts.
    • Stephenson, L. & Higman, N. (2010). Implementing Inquiry Learning in Grade 5: Implications for Teacher Leadership, Professional Learning and Education (refereed abstract). The IX Annual Worldwide Forum on Education and Culture, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2010, December). A case study of university wide student leadership curriculum renewal (refereed abstract). The IX Annual Worldwide Forum on Education and Culture, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy.
    • Stephenson, L., Shields, C., & Harold, B. (2010, September). Transformative Leadership: Crossing Boundaries in the UAE, Paper presented at the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management (refereed abstract). Commonwealth Council for Educational Management and Administration, Sydney, Australia- NSW.
    • Stephenson, L. (2010). Developing teacher leadership through undergraduate research (refereed abstract). 2nd Annual Leadership Academy., Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2009, November). New leadership models: Global leadership paradigms within local perspectives (refereed abstract). Australian Association for Research in Education, Canberra, Australia- NSW.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2009, November). New Leadership Models: Global Leadership Paradigms Within Local Perspectives. (refereed abstract). Australian Association for Research in Education, Canberra, Australia- ACT.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2009, September). Becoming researchers: A review of an undergraduate educational research program. (Refereed abstract). British Educational Research Association, Manchester., United Kingdom.
    • Stephenson, L., Harold, B., & Dada, R. (2009, December). Improving reading for middle school English language learners (refereed abstract). The VIII Annual Worldwide Forum on Education and Culture, Rome, Italy.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2008). Learning to be leaders: The construction of professional identity by Emirati teachers and leaders. (refereed abstract). British Educational Research Association, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2008). Influences on leadership learning: A UAE Perspective. Women as Global Leaders, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Coombe, C. (2008). Developing Leadership Skills for English Language Educators. Women as Global Leaders, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2008). Leadership teams. Women as Global Leaders, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Fisk Ong, M. & Stephenson, L. (2007). Leadership growth through leadership mentoring. Invited paper presented for the Leadership Certificate Program, (refereed abstract). TESOL International Conference, Seattle, Washington.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2007). Developing leadership identities: Influences on Emirati graduate students' leadership perspectives (refereed abstract). Australian Association for Research in Education, Perth, Australia- WA.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold,, B. (2007). The impact of Action Research in Middle Eastern education contexts (refereed abstract). Australian Association for Research in Education, Perth, Australia.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2007). Creating a culture of action research (refereed abstract) Ticketed session. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Anaheim, California.
    • Stephenson, L. (2007, January). Managing change through transformational and distributed leadership perspectives (refereed abstract). IATEFL Conference, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2006, November). The implementation of leadership programs in a cross cultural context (refereed abstract). Australian Association for Research in Education, Adelaide, Australia- SA.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2006, September). A new model for teacher professional learning: The co-construction of communities of practice (refereed abstract). British Educational Research Association, Coventry, United Kingdom.
    • Stephenson, L. (2006, November). Developing Leaders: A Middle Eastern perspective - Developing curriculum leadership for UAE principals, teachers and ministry personnel (refereed abstract). Australian Association for Research in Education, Adelaide, Australia- SA.
    • Stephenson, L. (2006, July). Using Autoethnographic Perspectives to Inform Workplace Learning (refereed abstract). International Interdisciplinary Conference in Advances in Qualitative Methods (IIQM), Surfers Paradise, Australia- QLD.
    • Stephenson, L. (2006, April). Creating teacher leaders: Site-based professional development in the UAE (refereed abstract). Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Chicago, Illinois.
    • Carr, K., Midraj, S., & Stephenson, L. (2006). Partners for Productive Professional Development: The Center for Professional Development. Women as Global Leaders Conference, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2005, September). I will tell you what to do': Implementing school-based communities of practice (refereed abstract). British Educational Research Association, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
    • Stephenson, L. (2005, November). Taking an autoethnographic perspective: On becoming a member of a tertiary community (refereed abstract). Australian Association for Research in Education, Sydney, Australia- NSW.
    • Stephenson, L. (2005, September). Informal workplace learning: An autoethnographic perspective (refereed abstract). British Educational Research Association, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
    • Stephenson, L. & Cook, J. (2005, March). Establishing an Effective Language Learning Domain (refereed abstract). TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2005, February). Workplace learning in the UAE: An autoethnographic approach (refereed abstract). International Interdisciplinary Conference in Advances in Qualitative Methods, Edmonton, Canada.
    • Stephenson, L. & Jill, C. (2004, March). Achieving Writing Standards: A Model and a Framework (refereed abstract). TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2004, March). Educational leadership and teacher change (refereed abstract). TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Wells, L. & Stephenson, L. (2003, March). Structure for Change (refereed abstract). American Association of Higher Education, Washington, District of Columbia.
    • Stephenson, L. (2003, December). Assessing Awareness of Linguistic and Literary Codes. Current Trends in English Language Testing Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2002, July). Collaborative Learning in General Education Learning Communities (refereed abstract). 14th International Conference on Assessing Quality in Higher Education, Vienna, Austria.
    • Stephenson, L. (2002, March). Team based Learning (refereed abstract). TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2001, March). Learning Communities: Improving Learning Outcomes Based Curriculum and Assessment.(refereed abstract). TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Cook, J. (2001, March). Academic Writing: Towards implementing a genre based approach with university students whose first language is Arabic (refereed abstract). TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Saunders, B. (2001, May). There is no 'I' in teamwork (refereed abstract). Current Trends in English Language Testing Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2001, April). Improving Outcomes Based Curriculum and Assessment through Collegiality (refereed abstract). CATESOL Conference, Ontario, California.

    Presentation of Non-Refereed Papers

    • Stephenson, L. (2016) The NSW Department of Education Professional Experience Hub Partnership. Canberra, June, 2016.
    • Stephenson, L. & Halliday, K (2016)The NSW Department of Education Professional Experience Hub: Strathfield South Primary School-ACU Partnership. NSW Council of Deans of Education. Wollongong, June, 2016.
    • Halliday, K, Stephenson, L., Monteleone, C., Wong, M., Mortimer, K, Labone, E (2016). The NSW Department of Education Professional Experience Hub: Strathfield South Primary School and ACU. NSW Department of Education, Sydney, May, 2016.
    • Stephenson, L (2015, May) The journey, the destination (s): It starts with you…Invited Guest Speaker, Monte Sant’ Angelo Mother-Daughter High Tea
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2013, June). Linking leadership to locality: A framework for embedding local culture, beliefs and values within an international university curriculum. Gender and Public Policy Program,Dubai School of Government, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Harold, B. (2012, March). Leadership Development for Women. Dubai School of Government Forum, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Howard, E. (2011). The impact of teacher leadership on teacher education in the UAE. SAAT Conference, Abu Dhabi
    • Stephenson, L. & Higman, N. (2011) Developing English Language and Critical Thinking through Inquiry Learning in the Primary Grades. UNESCO Open Lecture Series, 5 April 2011
    • Stephenson, L. (2010, February). Leadership Teaching: Innovations in teaching models and curricula. Wagner's Research Center for Leadership in Action (RCLA) and the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute: Appreciating and Advancing Leadership for Public Well-being, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2008). Influences on leadership learning: A UAE Perspective. Women as Global Leaders, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Harold, B. & Stephenson, L. (2006, December). Coconstructing a new model for teacher professional development. Zayed University Research Seminar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2006, November). Distributing teacher leadership through professional communities of practice. ZU Research Forum: Teaching & Learning in the 21st Century in the UAE, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. & Cook, J. (2006, June). Establishing an Effective Language Domain. Teacher Education Special Interest Group, TESOL Arabia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2005, June). Techniques for Teaching Vocabulary. Teacher Education Special Interest Group, TESOL Arabia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2004, February). Exploring individual learning at multiple organisational levels in the context of English language teaching in the UAE. Research Forum, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2004, May). Exploring Discourse Communities Through Critical Literacy. Association of the Teachers of English in Lebanon 7th Annual Conference, Beirut, Lebanon.
    • Stephenson, L. (2003, December). Revisiting the Role of Poetry in English Language Learning. 2nd HCT Bachelor of Education Conference, Teaching English to Young Learners: Active Learning; Active Teaching, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    • Stephenson, L. (2001, April). Zayed University's progress on implementing its outcomes based academic program model. Alverno College Seminar, Wisconsin, Illinois.

  • Professional Affiliations

    • The Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE)
    • Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA)
    • The International Leadership Association
    • The International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF)
    • Member Scholar for the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology
    • Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
    • TESOL International
    • Gulf Comparative Education Society
    • TESOL Arabia

  • Community Engagement

    • 2020-2022 Member of the Board, Monte Sant’ Angelo College, North Sydney
    • 2015-: Member of the Identity and Mission Board, Monte Sant’ Angelo College, North Sydney
    • 2016- 2018 Sydney Catholic Schools Liaison Committee
    • 2013-2014:Nominated member of the Ministry of Education Committee for the Development of English and Arabic language in the UAE school curriculum.
    • 2009-2015:  Member of Advisory Board for Synergy School Systems, India

  • Awards

    • 2023: Featured academic Open Access (University of Notre Dame)  Getting started - Open Access - University Library at The University of Notre Dame Australia (nd.edu.au)
    • 2017: Vice Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award for Service Excellence: Faculty of Education and Arts (FEA) Team, Australian Catholic University https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vre3u0xpxa8z8n7/AAAJ5ueUKMEf2x0oXQbhfCR-a?dl=0&preview=Award+for+Service+Excellence+2_Draft+1.mp4
    • 2014: Featured faculty scholar (Zayed University)
    • 2013: Featured faculty scholar (Zayed University)
    • 2012: Award for Outstanding Faculty Member for the Academic Year 2011-2012 (Zayed University)
    • 2012: Award for Exemplary Faculty Member for the Academic Year 2011-2012 (Zayed University)
    • 2010-2016:  Member Scholar: International Institute for Qualitative Methodology (IIQM) status awarded 20 December 2010. A member scholar serves as an advocate for IIQM and participates in IIQM activities including designing and implementing workshops/presentations on qualitative methodologies, reviewing conference abstracts and papers for the International Journal of Qualitative Methods.
    • 2004: Nominated for Outstanding Faculty Member Award for the Academic Year 2003-2004 (Zayed University)