Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

School of Education

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

Related Contents

Lesley Derksen Visiting Fellowship in Children’s Literature

Students at different stages of schooling reading books in classroom settings, from early childhood story time and primary school group reading to secondary students reading independently at desks.

Bringing leading voices in children’s literature to ECU

Through the Lesley Derksen Visiting Fellowship in Children’s Literature, ECU seeks to bring outstanding voices in children’s literature to Western Australia, creating opportunities to inspire, challenge and connect educators, researchers, students and the wider community.

The Fellowship recognises the enduring importance of children’s literature in shaping how children understand themselves, others and the world around them.

This Fellowship provides an opportunity for an author or scholar from outside Western Australia to visit Edith Cowan University and engage with students, educators, academics and the wider community. The Fellowship aims to deepen academic and public understanding of the breadth, significance and impact of children’s literature, while creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, learning and engagement around children’s books, reading and literacy.

About the Fellowship

The Fellowship has been established in recognition of Lesley Derksen and her contribution to children’s literature and literacy.

Each Fellowship provides an opportunity for an established author or scholar to spend time with the ECU School of Education and share their knowledge, expertise and perspectives through a program of activities connected to children’s literature.

The Fellowship may include:

  • a public lecture or keynote presentation
  • seminars or workshops for ECU students and staff
  • professional learning opportunities for teachers and educators
  • discussions with authors, researchers, librarians and education professionals
  • community engagement activities
  • other activities that contribute to a deeper understanding of children’s literature.

The specific program, number of activities and duration of the visit will remain flexible and will be determined according to the Fellow’s expertise, proposed activities and available funding.

The School of Education welcomes proposals for potential Visiting Fellows who can contribute to the Fellowship’s purpose of advancing understanding of children’s literature and its impact on children, education and society. We invite authors and scholars from outside Western Australia with expertise and experience in children’s literature to submit an Application outlining their proposed Fellowship activities and their relevant expertise.

Fellowship Duration

The Fellowship is typically expected to be 1–2 weeks in duration, with the final timeframe negotiated according to the nature and scope of the proposed project.

Who can be appointed?

The Lesley Derksen Visiting Fellow must be an author or scholar based outside Western Australia whose work demonstrates a significant connection to children’s literature.

We welcome consideration of individuals whose expertise spans areas such as:

  • children’s literature and literary studies
  • writing and illustrating for children
  • reading and literacy
  • publishing and bookselling
  • children's media and storytelling
  • literature education and pedagogy
  • cultural, social or educational perspectives on children’s literature.

Fellowship Activities

The Visiting Fellow will undertake one or more activities at Edith Cowan University, with the program designed to maximise opportunities for engagement with the ECU community and the broader public.

Activities may be tailored to the Fellow’s expertise and may include lectures, workshops, seminars, discussions or other forms of engagement.

Where appropriate, activities may also provide opportunities for teachers, schools, libraries, literary organisations and the wider community to participate.

Fellowship Frequency

The Fellowship will be considered at least once every two years, subject to the availability of funds.

The School of Education will assess the Fellowship opportunity, taking into consideration the proposed Fellow, the scope of the visit and the level of funding required. Depending on the available endowment income and the costs associated with the proposed visit, the Fellowship may be awarded every second year.

What does the Fellowship provide?

The Fellowship stipend is designed to support your visit to Edith Cowan University and will contribute towards:

  • Return travel to Western Australia
  • Accommodation and a daily meal allowance
  • Costs associated with your proposed engagement activities

The exact scope and duration of the Fellowship will be determined in consultation with the successful Fellow and will be subject to available funding.

How to apply

If you are interested in becoming the Lesley Derksen Visiting Fellow in Children’s Literature, we would love to hear from you.

Please complete the Application Form outlining your Fellowship proposal, your expertise and how your proposed visit could contribute to the academic and public understanding of children’s literature.

All applicants will receive an acknowledgement confirming receipt of their application. As this is a Fellowship selection process, individual feedback on proposals will not be provided. Following the assessment process, the successful Fellow will be contacted directly and the Fellowship recipient will subsequently be announced.

We look forward to hearing from authors and scholars who share our passion for the power, possibilities and enduring impact of children’s literature.

Applications now open!

Applications for the Lesley Derksen Visiting Fellowship in Children’s Literature open on 15 September 2026 and close on 15 November 2026. Apply now to be considered for this unique opportunity!
For further information please reach out to Dr Julie Boston via email educationpartnerships@ecu.edu.au.
Skip to top of page