Rate My Professor Jia White

Dr. Jia White, also known as Jia Xu, is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education within the Faculty of Humanities at Curtin University, Perth, Australia. She currently serves as Deputy Director of Graduate Research and Subject Area Lead for Development, Learning and Diversity. With over 25 years of experience in teacher education spanning Australia and China, Dr. White holds two PhDs—one in Educational Psychology from Curtin University and one in Curriculum Leadership from East China Normal University (ECNU)—as well as a Master of Education from ECNU. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to cross-cultural perspectives and non-linear career progression, informing her approach to creating inclusive learning environments and fostering teacher professional development.

Dr. White's research specializes in inclusive education, with a particular emphasis on strengths-based approaches for autistic and twice-exceptional students in mainstream high schools, alongside learner diversity, curriculum reform, and educational psychology. Her scholarship explores perspectives from students, parents, and educators to promote equity-oriented change through inquiry-driven and community-engaged methods. Key publications include 'Creating Inclusive Schools for Autistic Students: A Scoping Review on Elements Contributing to Strengths-Based Approaches' (2023, Education Sciences), '"We are Running a Marathon not a Sprint": Educators’ Experiences and Perspectives on Inclusion for Autistic Students Through Strengths-Based Approaches in Mainstream High Schools' (2025, Asia-Pacific Education Researcher), '"Let them show what they can do”: parents’ views on strengths-based approaches for autistic high school students' (2025, Educational Psychology), "‘We think differently, we learn differently, but at the end of the day we’re not that different’: Strengths-based approaches in high school from the perspectives of autistic adolescents" (2025, Autism), and 'Building Bridges for Twice-Exceptional Students: A Case Study in a Secondary School' (2025, Education Sciences). Her work has garnered over 130 citations on Google Scholar, contributing to advancements in inclusive practices and teacher retention strategies. Dr. White mentors emerging researchers, collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, and engages in public scholarship, including lectures on empowering neurodivergent learners.