Dr Adri Schoonen is an experienced educator deeply committed to advancing pedagogical practices, eager to contribute her expertise to your institution. Her academic journey includes a BEd in Foundation Phase, BEdHons in Learner Support, MEd in Learner Support, and a PhD in Special Needs Education with a focus on Inclusive and Foundation Phase Education.
During her ten years in academia up to thus far, I've had the privilege of shaping aspiring educators' futures. Currently, she is a lecturer in Foundation Phase Literacy and Science at the University of the Witwatersrand. She previously served as a lecturer in English Home Language for BEd Foundation Phase students at the North-West University, focusing on effective pedagogy, curriculum development, and student engagement, with a strong emphasis on Inclusive Education. She has also taught a pre-primary education module for creating inclusive learning environments for Early Childhood Education students. She has extended her teaching to distance students, teaching Life Skills and English Home Language via interactive sessions. This diverse experience has honed her adaptability to different learning environments.
In research, Dr Schoonen authored four international publications, with more in the pipeline. Her interests encompass social justice, transformation in education, teacher education, Early Childhood Development (ECD), and service-learning. She has presented her findings at national and international conferences, contributing valuable knowledge.
As a supervisor, Dr Schoonen supervised over 20 honours students, three master's students, deepening my understanding of pedagogical research and mentorship. Beyond the classroom, she has chaired a community initiative called the ECD-COMBER Learning Festival and engaged in service-learning with community schools, instilling social responsibility in her students. For five years, Dr Schoonen served as Subject Group Leader for Early Childhood Development and Education, developing leadership skills focused on transformation and transparent decision-making at the North-West University.
