Rate My Professor Debra Monteith

Debra Monteith is a Lecturer in University Preparation Pathways at Murdoch University, operating within the Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor Education. She has devoted over 30 years to social equity in education, progressing from roles as a teacher and principal to her current academic position. Recognized as an early career academic with a holistic, student-centred philosophy, Monteith has coordinated the TLC Learning for Tomorrow high school enabling program team for the past seven years. She designs and delivers mathematics and criminology units in the OnTrack Flex program, focusing on initiatives to reduce mathematics anxiety among enabling students. Her work across University Preparation Pathways emphasizes innovative teaching practices tailored to diverse cohorts preparing for university entry.

Monteith's research specializations include enabling education, mathematics innovations, crime and social justice in higher education contexts, student transitions, and university pathways. Her contributions to the field are evidenced by key publications such as the 2025 article 'High School Enabling Programs, Learning Journeys, and Transitions: Measuring Effectiveness from the Student Perspective' in Student Success, co-authored with Anita Maclaurin, Rebekah Sturniolo-Baker, and Sue Shaw; the 2023 book chapter 'It’s the Principle that Counts: Designing Curriculum for Diverse Enabling Student Cohorts,' co-authored with Joanne Lisciandro, Angela Jones, Peter Geerlings, Brendon Briggs, and Bron Bateman; and the 2020 book chapter 'Pulled by Motivation, Pushed by Inspiration: Approaches to Transitioning High School Students to University,' co-authored with Peter Geerlings. She has also presented at conferences, including a 2024 poster on 'NAEEA STEM SIG: Technology & Pedagogy in STEM Enabling Contexts' and discussions on pioneering practices in school-based enabling programs. Through these efforts, Monteith advances equitable access and success for underrepresented students in higher education.