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Our team

17 March 2025

Meet our experienced team of BSLA researchers and educators.

HOW TO APPLY

The development of BSLA has been an iterative process. The early controlled research trials proving its effectiveness were from 2015-2019, funded through the Better Start National Science Challenge and the Ministry of Education Early Literacy Initiative.

Lead Researchers: Professor Gail Gillon and Professor Brigid McNeill led the development of BSLA. They were supported from its inception in 2015 by the late Professor Angus Hikairo Macfarlane (Professor of Māori Research).

A large team of people have contributed to its development and national implementation over time including the following:

Researchers: University of Canterbury: Dr Amy Scott, Dr Lisa Furlong, Dr Andy Vosslamber, Associate Professor Alison Arrow, Dr Megan Gath, Dr Mark Lavenia, Dr Jude Bautista, Dr Anne McIntyre.  Massey University, Auckland: Associate Professor Sally Clendon. Griffith University, Australia: Associate Professor Marleen Westerveld.

BSLA Educators: Nicole Plummer, Catherine Fairhall, Dr Jo Walker, Amy Fleming, Rachael Roberston, Rebecca Kerr, Rebecca Lindsay Marie Shipston and Kate Cook.

Literacy specialists and class teachers: We acknowledge the helpful feedback from teachers and literacy specialists across the country who have trialled lesson plans during development phases and provided feedback on teaching activities.

BSLA Advisory Group: The BSLA has been supported by an expert Advisory Group. Research and science advice from: Distinguished Professor Bill Tunmer, Distinguished Professor Laura Justice, Professor James Chapman, Professor Ilsa Schwarz. Cultural advice from: Lynne Harata Te Aika (Ngāi Tahu) and Dr Tufulasi Taleni.

Professional Learning and Development Team

Meet our PLD team, who support teachers and literacy specialists in implementing quality structured literacy teaching. 

Better Start Literacy Approach Cultural Advisors

We were very fortunate to have the guidance and advice of the late Professor Angus Macfarlane in the development of the BSLA. He was instrumental in shaping our culturally responsive and strengths-based approach to PLD and resources.

Better Start Literacy Approach Science Advisors