Helen Adam

Dr Helen Adam is passionate about promoting socially just and equitable education. Helen believes to achieve equitable outcomes we need to challenge systemic inequities and support educators as they work for better futures for young Australians. Helen advocates for culturally responsive use of authentically diverse and inclusive literature as one vehicle to break down barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding and contribute to equitable outcomes.  

Helen holds a PhD from Edith Cowan University in which she investigated the use of culturally diverse literature to support principles of diversity in early years education. The outcomes and impact of her work have been published in internationally renowned journals garnering extensive international print and digital media coverage including appearances on Channel 7’s Sunrise and national news bulletins in Australia and New Zealand. Helen has received funding from the Freilich Project for the Study of Bigotry to study award listed Australian picture books.

Helen is an experienced teacher, teacher educator, researcher and leader at Edith Cowan University (ECU) where she is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Master of Teaching (Primary). Helen is on the Board of Directors for the Primary English Teaching Association of Australia. She works closely with preservice and practising teachers to educate and support them in developing strong culturally responsive practice. Helen has won numerous awards including: 2022, Australian Educational Publishing Awards - Highly Commended in the Primary Reference Resource Category for her book, Transforming Practice: Transforming lives through diverse children’s literature; The 2022 Edith Cowan University School of Education Research Awards - Best Paper with and International Partnership. ; the 2021 ECU School of Education Research Awards Best Paper from an Early Career Researcher; and, the 2020 ECU Early/Mid-Career Symposium Best Presentation for Research in Society and Culture, Helen works closely with ECU’s Kurongkurl Katitjin Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research where she is known for her strong allyship. Helen is as a passionate and committed ally for gender diverse and other historically marginalised groups.