Rate My Professor Courtney McAlevey

Courtney McAlevey is a Teaching Fellow and Assistant Research Fellow in the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sciences Division, at the University of Otago. She holds a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPhEd) and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the University of Otago, having completed a double degree focused on Physical Education and Human Nutrition. McAlevey also earned a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) (GDipTchg) from Auckland. Her career trajectory includes 3.5 years teaching Health and Physical Education in Auckland secondary schools, followed by five years of international teaching in London and the United Arab Emirates. Returning to Dunedin, her hometown, she now applies her extensive practical experience in higher education settings.

At Otago, McAlevey co-coordinates the SPEX 316 Practicum paper, which students undertake through placements or various practicum activities to develop critical thinking, creativity, and industry-relevant skills, effectively bridging university learning with the sport sector. Her research interests converge at the intersection of education, technology, and public health. She supports the CPRUnlmtd project, a European Erasmus+ co-design research effort examining how schools can be better equipped to provide CPR training to students. Concurrently, McAlevey is pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (PGCertPH), which complements her teaching and research, enhances her confidence, and aligns with her goals in health promotion. A trained Health and Physical Education teacher, she returned to New Zealand to extend her expertise beyond the classroom and intends to proceed to a Diploma in Public Health. Her multifaceted roles exemplify a commitment to practical, impactful education in physical activity and health domains.