Dr Angela Fenton has a Bachelor of Education with Honours from the University of Leeds and a Masters of Early Childhood Education from James Cook University (JCU) in Queensland. In her Doctoral thesis Angela explored child protection and pre-service education using a Strengths Approach. Alongside her studies, Angela worked in early childhood classrooms and services for over twenty years as a teacher, director and training project officer. Angela has worked in inclusion roles with children with disabilities and was the state manager for the Indigenous Children's Services Unit in Queensland. She has taught in the United Kingdom and in Australia. In the tertiary sector of education, Angela has taught early childhood education in the TAFE and worked in the university sector for over nineteen years (at JCU previously and now for the eleventh year with Charles Sturt University). Angela is passionate about promoting quality teaching in Higher Education and researching in strengths approaches to education. Angela holds leadership roles within the School of Education as the Associate Head of School and the Deputy Chair for academic assessment and moderation.

Angela's doctoral research and subsequent publications are centred on strengths approaches, early childhood development and well-being, child protection and teacher education. She is examining the use of a Strengths Approach (more commonly used in social services) and the potential of this approach for use in pre-service teaching to prepare students for working with children who may be at risk or experiencing child abuse. Angela has published international journal articles, book chapters and papers in conference proceedings. Angela's most recent research is an embedded multiple case study examining an enhanced model of professional experience for pre-service teachers. Angela’s research focuses on the potential use of a Strengths Approach to complex issues in educational and community contexts.

PhD Research

Angela's PhD research examined a Strengths Approach to Child Protection Education. Her doctoral studies were supervised by Associate Professor Melissa Vick and Professor Nola Alloway from James Cook University.

Research Grants/Projects

• 2017:  Fenton, A., (Chief Investigator) Grover, P., & Smith, D. James Fallon High School/Charles Sturt University: Teaching for the Future Professional Partnership, Building Expertise and Innovative Practice: A Strengths-based Embedded Case Study, NSW, Department of Education and Faculty of Arts and Education, Research Income and Initiatives Grant.
• 2016: Davidson, C., MacDonald, A., with Fenton, A. Everyday learning and interactions during family shopping experiences, Faculty of Arts and Education, Income and Initiatives Grant.
• 2016: Spalding, N., with, Fenton, A. Enhancing child protection training for early childhood educators using a strengths approach, Community-University partnerships, CSU Head of Campus Grant, Regional Schools Development Program.
• 2015/2016: Fenton, A., & Dalton, K. A strengths approach to child protection preparation: Online learning resources, Charles Sturt University, UImagine Innovation grant Scheme.
• 2015: McFarland, L., & Fenton, A. Evaluation of a newly developed strengths-based, recovery-focused program for parents with mental health issues, Hume Partners in Recovery Innovation Fund.
• 2015: Ross Circuit Preschool with, Fenton, A., MacDonald, A., & McFarland, L: A strengths approach resource package for supporting children and families, Community-University partnerships, CSU Head of Campus Grant, Regional Schools Development Program.
• 2013: Sumsion, J., Harrison, L., & Irvine, S., with Fenton, A., et al. An investigation of Goodstart's centre-based processes in engaging with the Australian Children's Education and Care, Goodstart Early Learning.
• 2013: Reid, J., with Fenton, A., et al. Faculty of Education benchmarking project, University of Tasmania, Charles Sturt University, Curtin University, Griffith University and University of  Western Sydney.