We are delighted to announce that Associate Professor Haili Hughes will be a keynote speaker at researchED New Zealand 2027, hosted at Long Bay College on the 8th of May 2027.
Associate Professor Hughes is Associate Dean of Professional Experience and Partnerships at La Trobe University and an internationally recognised expert in teacher development, mentoring, instructional coaching, and educational change. A former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience, she has devoted her career to helping teachers develop expertise and create the conditions in which both educators and students can thrive.
Haili is a prolific author, having written ten books alongside a major national report on teacher retention. Her work is widely respected for its ability to bridge the gap between research and practice, translating complex evidence into practical approaches that strengthen teaching, professional learning, and school improvement. Through her leadership across schools, universities, and education systems in both England and Australia, she has become a leading voice on teacher development and educational change.
One of the reasons we are particularly excited to welcome Haili to New Zealand is her longstanding commitment to ensuring that research genuinely improves classroom practice. Her work aligns closely with the values of researchED, championing evidence-informed approaches while recognising the realities of implementation within schools.
Haili’s keynote will offer delegates valuable insights into developing teacher expertise, sustaining professional growth, and building cultures that support excellent teaching. Her combination of academic rigour, practical experience, and engaging delivery has made her a sought-after speaker internationally.
We are thrilled to welcome Haili to Auckland for what promises to be one of the highlights of researchED New Zealand 2027.