Role

As the Senior Research Advisor Monica works alongside the Research Leader to support research and dissemination by Te Rito Maioha staff across programmes, as well providing supporting the Research Leader in their role. Monica also supervises thesis tauira, while being an active researcher herself through individual and collaborative projects both nationally and internationally.

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Education Background

With nearly 30 years in early childhood education, Monica was a kindergarten teacher before moving into professional development for other teachers. She then taught for 11 years at Massey University within initial teacher education programmes, degree programmes, postgraduate level study and supervision of postgraduate students. There she contributed to course and programme development, whilst leading practicum related courses. Monica joined Te Rito Maioha in 2011 as a Senior Lecturer, course leader and later Kaiārahi.

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Research Background

Monica’s research interests include children’s transitions from ECE to school, assessment, planning, curriculum, intentional teaching, evaluation, gifted and inclusive education, the experiences of beginning teachers, supporting associate teachers, and leadership. Her Masters research focused on the need for cross sector collaboration to support children transitioning from ECE to school. Her doctoral research explored ECE teachers’ assessment knowledge, purposes and practices, motivated by her observations of the differing practices and challenges teachers face. Monica was also the recipient for our Outstanding Researcher Award for 2024.

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Teaching Interests

Monica has carried her commitment to positive relationships with whānau and tamariki in early learning into her role as a Senior Research Advisor. She is committed to building genuine relationships with colleagues to support them to achieve their research goals, and those of Te Rito Maioha, through coaching and mentoring. She also continues to develop and share her own knowledge to support the continued development of research and dissemination across the organisation.

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Recent Publications

Smith, P., & Cameron, M. (2024). Professional learning to support effective leadership in early childhood education. In T. Carlyon & R. Merry (Eds.). Effective leadership in early childhood services and primary school education in Aotearoa New Zealand, pp. 85-98. NZCER.

Cameron, M, J. (2023). The collection and use of assessment information in early childhood settings. In C. McLachlan, T. McLaughlin, S. Cherrington, & K. Aspden (Eds.), Assessment and data information in early childhood settings (p. 61-78). Springer

Cameron, M., Aspden, K., Smith, P., & McLaughlin, T. (2023). “The curriculum just flows” – An examination of teachers’ understandings and implementation of Te Whāriki pre-2017. Waikato Journal of Education, 28(1), 41-53. https://doi.org/10.15663/wje.v28i1.1037

Carlyon, T., Cameron, M., Maxwell, A., Woolston, D., Hue Chew Kuen, J., & Ngadni, I. (2023). Early childhood curriculum comparison: Aotearoa New Zealand and Malaysia. Asia-Pacific Journal of Research in Early Childhood Education, 17(3),1-20.