Doctor of Education (VU). Master of Education (VU) GradCert Tertiary Education (VU). BEd Physical Education (Rusden). Certificate IV Training and Assessment (Mainlead Education).

Loretta is the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching in the First Year College (FYC) at Victoria University (VU), and a member of the Senior Leadership Group.

Loretta provides leadership in the development of all teaching and learning programs within the FYC. She leads an evidence-based approach to improving curriculum, pedagogy and assessment with the goal of enhancing student learning opportunities and experiences. Loretta works across the FYC to ensure that established and new teaching and learning activity align with College and University foci.

Loretta works with relevant staff to review the quality of FYC teaching programs and takes carriage of both internal and external quality assurance processes and reviews. She represents the FYC on the University’s Courses Committee, Learning and Teaching Quality Committee and manages all operational aspects of teaching and learning governance in the College.

In addition to curriculum leadership, Loretta held the role of Head of Community Engagement in the FYC. This senior role led an innovative model designed to enhance ‘real world’ learning opportunities and collaborates with students and staff, as well as community and industry stakeholders, to deliver high quality programs for our students.

Loretta loves working in higher education and her commitment to excellence in education and curriculum is long and deeply held. She has been an educator for more than 30 years, beginning her career as a secondary school PE teacher. She began her time at Victoria University as a Lecturer in Physical Education and Health in 2007. She became the physical education course coordinator in the College of Sport and Exercise Science in 2013 before moving to be a part of the inaugural year of the FYC in 2017.

Loretta’s passion for teaching and learning has seen her develop research interest and expertise in Inclusion and Diversity in Physical Activity settings. She is an active member in the FYC Women in First Year executive where she demonstrates a deep commitment to the welfare and career of women in the FYC.

Portfolios

Areas of expertise

  • Curriculum
  • Block Teaching
  • Community engagement
  • Aquatic education
  • Physical education
  • Inclusive physical education
  • Disability sport and diversity inclusion.

Contact details

(03) 9919 5411
[email protected]

Publications

Refereed journal articles

2020

2019

Earlier publications

  • Manathunga C, Shay P, Garner R, Jayaram P, Barber P, Bhatti TKO, Gavran S, Konjarski L, D'Souza I. Professional Doctorates as Spaces of Collegiality and Resistance: A Cross-Sectoral Exploration of the Cracks in Neoliberal Institutions In Resisting Neoliberalism in Higher Education. Volume II: Prising Open the Cracks. Editors: Manathunga, Catherine, Bottrell, D. 177-198. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, Switzerland 19 December 2018 (book chapter).
  • Hammond, A., Young, J.A., and Konjarski, L. (2015, accepted). Attitudes of Australian Swimming Coaches towards Inclusion of Swimmers with an Intellectual Disability: An Exploratory Analysis. International Journal of Sport Science and Coaching. 9(6).
  • Browne, A., Young, J. A., Konjarski. L, and Kiernan, S. (2015, accepted). Playing ‘hot shots’ tennis: A case study of inclusive practice. ACHPER International Conference, Adelaide, Australia.
  • Browne, A., Young, J. A., Konjarski, L, and Kiernan, S. (2014). Adapted programs conducted by Victoria University: Support for sound teaching principles. Disability Studies in Education Conference 2014, Melbourne.

Book chapter contributions

  • Cameron, M,. Konjarski, L,. Chanhine, N. Case Studies in exercise as therapy for clients requiring special care (Chapter 17 pp, 238-248) Cameron, M., Selig, S., & Hemphill, D. (2011). Clinical Exercise: a case-based approach. Elsevier Australia.
  • Manathunga, C, D'Souza, I., Garner, R., Konjarski, L.,Dupont, A,. Jayaram, P.,Barber, Bhatti,Kim., Gavran,S., Shay, P., (2016) Professional doctorates as a space of resistance in neoliberal times: a symposium. AARE Conference, Melbourne, Australia.

Conference presentations

  • Young, J, Konjarski L. Schools and Universities as partners to authentic learning experiences. Discovery Conference March 2021, Online.
  • Oraison, H,  Konjarski, L, Young, J Howe, S, Smallridge, Staff Experiences of Victoria University’s First Year College During the Implementation of Block Mode Teaching A 6th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (Spain) 2–5 June 2020.
  • Konjarski L, Young J, Smallridge A. Inclusion and Diversity in Physical Activity unit in First Year College at Victoria University: Engaging and optimising student engagement through Community Engagement RAISE, Newcastle, England, 4–6 September 2019. RAISE Conference.
  • Konjarski L, Howe S, Oraison H. Trials, tribulations and triumphs of block mode teaching STARS, Melbourne Victoria, 21–22 July 2020. STARS conference proceedings.
  • Konjarski L, Young J, Smallridge A. Victoria University’s First Year College: Creating Culture Through Revolutionary Transformation STARS 2019, Melbourne, Australia, 7–10 July 2019. STARS 2019.
  • Konjarski, L (2019) Disability and Community Engagement - Low Vision and PE Inclusion for Impact Conference (DET).
  • Konjarski, L & Simpson, K (2016) Aquatics in the Primary School Victorian ACHPER Primary Physical Education Conference.
  • Konjarski, L & Tessier, K (2014) A practical look at how the Australian curriculum for HPE can cater for all. Discovery Australian Physical, Health & Outdoor Education Conference.
  • Young, J. A., Browne, A. Konjarski, L, & Kiernan, S. (2014). The social inclusive approach and Victoria University’s Adapted programs. Beijing Sports University. Beijing, China.
  • Konjarski, L (2011 & 2012) Inclusive Practice in Physical Education, Victorian ACHPER Conference.
  • Konjarski, L (2010-2012) Aqua Ed Kit A resource produced for Victorian Schools & the DEECD.

Awards & grants

Industry/teaching awards

  • 2020 Australian Awards for University Teaching - Programs that Enhance Learning - Innovation in Curriculum Design and Pedagogy Practice Recipient (team)
  • 2020 Victoria University Vice Chancellor’s Award – Diversity and Inclusion (team)
  • 2020 Victoria University Vice Chancellor’s Citation – Teaching and Learning - Programs that enhance Learning (team)
  • 2020 Victoria University Vice Chancellor’s Citation - Community Engagement (team)
  • 2006: Resusci Anne Innovative Aquatic Programming Award (Industry Award) for the Adapted Aquatics Program
  • 2008: Victoria University Faculty Teaching Award (Industry Award) - Group Award for the Creating a Sporting Chance Program
  • 2009: Kinect Australia Community Programming Award Group Award for the Creating a Sporting Chance Program.

Research grants

  • 2018 SportAustralia Move It Aus Grant, $250,000 Konjarski, L with Volleyball Australia for the Light Volley Education Program.
  • 2012 Playing for Life Research Project Australian Sports Commission $211,000 grant. Research team: Prof Damian Farrow (ISEAL/SES), Prof Remco Polman (ISEAL/SES), Dr Clare MacMahon (ISEAL Research Associate/School of SES), Dr Tony Watt (ISEAL Research Associate/School of Education), and Ms Loretta Konjarski (SES).

Professional experience & memberships

Professional qualifications

  • AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
  • AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant Swimming
  • AUSTSWIM Teacher of People with a Disability
  • AUSTSWIM Presenter
  • ASCTA Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
  • ASCTA Presenter
  • Lifesaving Victoria Trainer of First Aid/CPR
  • Senior First Aid.

Industry experience

  • Professional Development Coordinator at Australian Council for Health Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER)
  • Secondary School Physical Education, Health and English teacher.

Professional memberships

  • Health, Physical Education Tertiary Alliance Victoria.

Appearances in the media