Associate Professor Tania Ferfolja

Associate Professor Tania Ferfolja

Associate Professor,
Primary Education

Biography

Tania Ferfolja is Associate Professor in the School of Education at Western Sydney University, Australia. She is a member of the Centre for Educational Research and a member of the NSW arm of the national Australia Forum for Sexuality, Education and Health. Her research centres on equity in education with a focus on gender and sexuality diversities in curricula, policy, pedagogy, schooling and employment practices in Australia and internationally. She is lead editor of the book Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices - 2nd edition (2018, Cambridge University Press), co-editor of Gender and Sexuality in Education and Health (2018, Routledge, UK) and is lead author on "Sexuality and Gender Diversity in a Culture of Limitation: Student and Teacher Experiences in Schools" (2020 Routledge). Tania also co-authored Crossing Borders: African Refugees, Teachers and Schools (2011 ACSA/Common Ground) and From Here to Diversity: The Social Impact of Lesbian and Gay Issues in Education in Australia and New Zealand (2002, Harrington Park Press). She has published in a range of highly-regarded, peer- review  journals, has presented at both national and international conferences and has been on the editorial board of numerous journals. Tania is currently leading research with Associate Professor Jacqueline Ullman and Professor Tara Goldstein on an ARC-funded project entitled "Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses" (see for more information about this project: https://westernsydney.edu.au/gsds/home).

Tania teaches in the area of social and cultural diversity. She is the recipient of no fewer than 6 local and national teaching awards including, but not limited to, the Western Sydney University Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2015), and an Australian Award for University Teaching: Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2012).

 

This information has been contributed by Associate Professor Ferfolja.

Qualifications

  • PhD University of New South Wales
  • MA University of New South Wales
  • BA University of Sydney

Interests

  • LGBTQI issues in education; preservice teacher education; academic service learning; refugee youth and schooling

Organisational Unit (School / Division)

  • Primary Education

Contact

Email: N/A
Phone: N/A
Mobile:
Location: OFF
Off Campus

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Teaching

Previous Teaching Areas

  • A0105 Sociology of Education, 2021

Publications

Books

  • Ferfolja, T. and Ullman, J. (2020), 'Gender and Sexuality Diversity in a Culture of Limitation: Student and Teacher Experiences in Schools', : Routledge 9781138062313.
  • Ferfolja, T., Jones Diaz, C. and Ullman, J. (2018), 'Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices', : Cambridge University Press 9781108434409.
  • Ullman, J. and Ferfolja, T. (2018), 'Gender and Sexuality in Education and Health: Advocating for Equity and Social Justice', : Routledge 9781138493452.
  • Ferfolja, T., Vickers, M., McCarthy, F., Naidoo, L. and Brace, E. (2011), 'Crossing Borders: African Refugees, Teachers and Schools', : Common Ground 9781875864690.

Chapters in Books

  • Guo, X. and Ferfolja, T. (2024), 'LGBTQ-related issues in K-12 education across global contexts', The Sage Encyclopedia of LGBTQ+ Studies, Sage Publications 9781071891421.
  • Ferfolja, T. and Ullman, J. (2020), 'Parent perceptions of GSD-related content inclusions in school education : voices from Australia', Schools as Queer Transformative Spaces: Global Narratives on Sexualities and Gender, Routledge 9781138493148.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2019), 'Young LGBTQ teachers : work and sexual citizenship in contradictory times', Youth, Sexuality and Sexual Citizenship, Routledge 9780815379874.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2018), 'Gender and sexuality diversity, policy framings and the construction of the subject', Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices, Cambridge University Press 9781108434409.
  • Ferfolja, T. and Ullman, J. (2017), 'Exploring 'thing-power' and the 'spectre of fear' on schooling subjectivities : a critical posthuman analysis of LGBT silencing', Reimagining Sustainability in Precarious Times, Springer 9789811025488.
  • Ferfolja, T., Jones Diaz, C. and Ullman, J. (2015), 'The unseen half : theories for educational practices', Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices, Cambridge University Press 9781107477469.
  • Ullman, J., Jones Diaz, C. and Ferfolja, T. (2015), 'Final ruminations on the 'unseen half'', Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices, Cambridge University Press 9781107477469.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2015), 'Sexual diversities, policy approaches and the construction of the subject', Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices, Cambridge University Press 9781107477469.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2015), 'LGBT equity and school policy : perspectives from Canada and Australia', World Education Research Yearbook 2015, Routledge 9781138797123.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2014), 'Lesbian and gay teachers : negotiating subjectivities in Sydney schools', Inequalities in the Teaching Profession: A Global Perspective, Palgrave 9781137328595.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2014), 'Reframing queer teacher subjects : neither in nor out but present', Queer Teachers, Identity and Performativity, Palgrave Macmillan 9781137441911.
  • Ferfolja, T. and Ullman, J. (2014), 'Opportunity lost and (re)written out : LGBTI content in Australia's "new" National Health and Physical Education curriculum ', Contemporary Issues of Equity in Education, Cambridge Scholars Publishing 9781443863322.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2011), 'Crossing borders: changing perspectives and practices for social justice in education', Crossing Borders: African Refugees, Teachers and Schools, Common Ground Publishing LLC 9781875864690.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2011), 'Crossing institutional and 'Other' borders', Crossing Borders: African Refugees, Teachers and Schools, Common Ground Publishing LLC 9781875864690.
  • Robinson, K. and Ferfolja, T. (2002), 'A reflection of resistance. Discourses of heterosexism and homophobia in teacher training classrooms', From Here to Diversity: The impact of lesbian and gay issues in education in Australia and New Zealand, Harrington Park Press 1560235500.

Journal Articles

  • Curry, C., Ferfolja, T., Holmes, K., Parry, K., Sherry, M. and Armour, M. (2023), 'Menstrual health education in Australian schools', Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education, vol 14, no 2 , pp 223 - 236.
  • Ferfolja, T., Holmes, K., Curry, C., Sherry, S., Parry, K. and Armour, M. (2023), '[In Press] What can Australian schools do better? : supporting students during menstruation', Australian Educational Researcher, .
  • Ullman, J., Hobby, L. and Ferfolja, T. (2023), '[In Press] Revalidating a measure of parents' attitudes towards gender and sexuality diversity-inclusive curricula in a nationally representative Australian sample', Journal of Homosexuality, .
  • Ferfolja, T., Manlik, K. and Ullman, J. (2023), '[In Press] Parents' perspectives on gender and sexuality diversity inclusion in the K-12 curriculum : appropriate or not?', Sex Education, .
  • Brady, B., Asquith, N., Ferfolja, T. and Hanckel, B. (2022), 'Fear of heterosexism among sexuality and gender diverse staff and students', Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol 37, no 3-4 , pp 1908 - 1938.
  • Ullman, J., Ferfolja, T. and Hobby, L. (2022), 'Parents' perspectives on the inclusion of gender and sexuality diversity in K-12 schooling : results from an Australian national study', Sex Education, vol 22, no 4 , pp 424 - 446.
  • Armour, M., Parry, K., Curry, C., Ferfolja, T., Parker, M., Farooqi, T., MacMillan, F., Smith, C. and Holmes, K. (2022), 'Evaluation of a web-based resource to improve menstrual health literacy and self-management in young women', Journal of Psychosomatic Research, vol 162 .
  • Armour, M., Hyman, M., Al-Dabbas, M., Parry, K., Ferfolja, T., Curry, C., MacMillan, F., Smith, C. and Holmes, K. (2021), 'Menstrual health literacy and management strategies in young women in Australia : a national online survey of young women aged 13-25 years', Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, vol 34, no 2 , pp 135 - 143.
  • Holmes, K., Curry, C., Sherry, S., Ferfolja, T., Parry, K., Smith, C., Hyman, M. and Armour, M. (2021), 'Adolescent menstrual health literacy in low, middle and high-income countries : a narrative review', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol 18, no 5 .
  • Abraham, J., Ferfolja, T., Sickel, A., Power, A., Curry, C., Fraser, D. and Louise, K. (2021), 'Development and validation of a scale to explore pre-service teachers' sense of preparedness, engagement and self-efficacy in classroom teaching', Australian Journal of Teacher Education, vol 46, no 1 , pp 1 - 23.
  • Ferfolja, T. and Ullman, J. (2021), 'Inclusive pedagogies for transgender and gender diverse children : parents' perspectives on the limits of discourses of bullying and risk in schools', Pedagogy, Culture & Society, vol 29, no 5 , pp 793 - 810.
  • Hobby, L., Ullman, J. and Ferfolja, T. (2021), 'Parental Attitudes Towards Inclusiveness Instrument (PATII) : psychometric evaluation of a new instrument measuring parental beliefs about gender and sexuality diversity inclusions in schools', Journal of School Psychology, vol 86 , pp 222 - 242.
  • Ferfolja, T., Asquith, N., Hanckel, B. and Brady, B. (2020), 'In/visibility on campus? : gender and sexuality diversity in tertiary institutions', Higher Education, vol 80 , pp 933 - 947.
  • Armour, M., Ferfolja, T., Curry, C., Hyman, M., Parry, K., Chalmers, J., Smith, C., MacMillan, F. and Holmes, K. (2020), 'The prevalence and educational impact of pelvic and menstrual pain in Australia : a national online survey of 4202 young women aged 13-25 years', Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, vol 33, no 5 , pp 511 - 518.
  • Asquith, N., Ferfolja, T., Brady, B. and Hanckel, B. (2019), 'Diversity and safety on campus @ Western : heterosexism and cissexism in higher education', International Review of Victimology, vol 25, no 3 , pp 320 - 340.
  • Armour, M., Parry, K., Manohar, N., Holmes, K., Ferfolja, T., Curry, C., MacMillan, F. and Smith, C. (2019), 'The prevalence and academic impact of dysmenorrhea in 21,573 young women : a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Women's Health, vol 28, no 8 , pp 1161 - 1171.
  • Armour, M., Parry, K., Al-Dabbas, M., Curry, C., Holmes, K., MacMillan, F., Ferfolja, T. and Smith, C. (2019), 'Self-care strategies and sources of knowledge on menstruation in 12,526 young women with dysmenorrhea : a systematic review and meta-analysis', PLoS One, vol 14, no 7 .
  • Dune, T., Ullman, J., Ferfolja, T., Thepsourinthone, J., Garga, S. and Mengesha, Z. (2019), 'Are services inclusive? : a review of the experiences of older GSD women in accessing health, social and aged care services', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol 17, no 11 .
  • Ferfolja, T. and Ullman, J. (2017), 'Gender and sexuality diversity and schooling : progressive mothers speak out', Sex Education, vol 17, no 3 , pp 348 - 362.
  • Ferfolja, T. and Ullman, J. (2017), 'Gender and sexuality in education and health : voices advocating for equity and social justice', Sex Education, vol 17, no 3 , pp 235 - 241.
  • Ullman, J. and Ferfolja, T. (2016), 'The elephant in the (class)room : parental perceptions of LGBTQ-inclusivity in K-12 educational contexts', Australian Journal of Teacher Education, vol 41, no 10 , pp 15 - 29.
  • Ullman, J. and Ferfolja, T. (2015), 'Bureaucratic constructions of sexual diversity : 'sensitive', 'controversial' and silencing', Teaching Education, .
  • Ferfolja, T. and Stavrou, E. (2015), 'Workplace experiences of Australian lesbian and gay teachers : findings from a national survey', Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, , no 173 , pp 113 - 138.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2013), 'Sexual diversity, discrimination and ?homosexuality policy' in New South Wales' government schools', Sex Education, vol 13, no 2 , pp 159 - 171.
  • Ferfolja, T. and Hopkins, L. (2013), 'The complexities of workplace experience for lesbian and gay teachers', Critical Studies in Education, vol 54, no 3 , pp 311 - 324.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2013), 'Students as policy actors : the TDSB Equity Foundation Statement and Commitments to Equity Policy', Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, vol 149 .
  • Ferfolja, T. (2010), 'Lesbian teachers, harassment and the workplace', Teaching and Teacher Education, vol 26, no 3 , pp 408 - 414.
  • Ferfolja, T. and Vickers, M. (2010), 'Supporting refugee students in school education in Greater Western Sydney', Critical Studies in Education, vol 51, no 2 , pp 149 - 162.
  • Ferfolja, T., Whitton, D. and Sidoti, C. (2010), 'Classrooms without borders: using academic service learning to enhance pre-service teachers' understandings of diversity and difference', The Australian Journal of University-Community Engagement, vol 5, no 2 , pp 115 - 125.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2009), 'Stories so far : an overview of the research on lesbian teachers', Sexualities, vol 12, no 3 , pp 378 - 396.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2009), 'The Refugee action support program: Developing understandings of diversity', Teaching Education, vol 20, no 4 , pp 395 - 407.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2008), 'Discourses that silence : teachers and anti-lesbian harassment', Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, vol 29, no 1 , pp 107 - 119.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2008), 'Building teacher capital in pre-service teachers : reflections on a new teacher-education initiative', Australian Journal of Teacher Education, vol 33, no 2 , pp 68 - 84.
  • Robinson, K. and Ferfolja, T. (2008), 'Playing it up, playing it down, playing it safe : queering teacher education', Teaching and Teacher Education, vol 24, no 4 , pp 846 - 858.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2008), 'Beyond a command performance : reflections on Classmates as a new teacher preparation initiative', Asia Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, vol 36, no 1 , pp 5 - 18.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2008), 'Making the transition into the first year of teaching : lessons from the Classmates initiative', Australian Journal of Education, vol 52, no 3 , pp 242 - 256.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2007), 'Classmates as community engagement: A way forward for teacher preparation', The Australasian Journal of University Community Engagement, , pp 14 - 18.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2007), 'Teacher negotiations of sexual subjectivities', Gender and Education, vol 19, no 5 , pp 569 - 586.
  • Skattebol, J. and Ferfolja, T. (2007), 'Voices from an enclave : lesbian mothers' experiences of child care', Australian Journal of Early Childhood, vol 32, no 1 , pp 10 - 18.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2006), 'Schooling cultures : institutionalizing heteronormativity and heterosexism', International Journal of Inclusive Education, , pp 1 - 16.
  • Ferfolja, T. (2005), 'Institutional Silence: Experiences of Australian Lesbian Teachers Working in Catholic High Schools', Journal of Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education, vol 2 , pp 51 - 66.
  • Robinson, K., Ferfolja, T. and Goldstein, T. (2004), 'Editorial - Special Issue : anti-homophobia teacher education', Teacher Education, vol 15, no 1 , pp 3 - 8.
  • Ferfolja, T. and Robinson, K. (2004), 'Why anti-homophobia education in teacher education? : perspectives from Australian teacher educators', Teaching Education, , pp 9 - 25.
  • Robinson, K. and Ferfolja, T. (2001), 'What are we doing this for? ; Dealing with lesbian and gay issues in teacher education', British Journal of Sociology of Education, vol 22, no 1 , pp 121 - 133.
  • Ferfolja, T. (1998), 'Women live longer! : the need for lesbians to act on aging!', Journal of Interdisciplinary Gender Studies, vol 3, no 1 , pp 75 - 87.
  • Ferfolja, T. (1998), 'Australian lesbian teachers : a reflection of homophobic harassment of high school teachers in New South Wales government schools', Gender and Education, vol 10, no 4 , pp 401 - 415.

Conference Papers

  • Robinson, K. and Ferfolja, T. (2003), 'Anti-homophobia education in teacher education : perspectives from teacher educators in NSW, Australia', Australian Association for Research in Education. Conference, Auckland, N.Z..

Other Publications

  • 2024, 'Young Person, Parent/Carer, and School Teachers' Understanding of Periods, Period Pain, and Endometriosis', Report
  • 2023, 'What Parents Want: Talking about Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: A Portfolio of Professional Learning Resources for Educators', Published Work
  • 2023, 'What Parents Want: Talking about Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Short Film', Recorded Work
  • 2023, 'Gender & Sexuality Diversity in Schools (GSDS): Parental Experiences & Schooling Responses', Report
  • 2022, 'Gender Equity in the Workplace: Intersectional and Gender & Sexuality Diverse Approaches', Report
  • 2021, 'Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses: Australian Capital Territory Snapshot Report', Report
  • 2021, 'Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses: Tasmania Snapshot Report', Report
  • 2021, 'Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses: Victoria Snapshot Report', Report
  • 2021, 'Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses: New South Wales Snapshot Report', Report
  • 2021, 'Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses: Queensland Snapshot Report', Report
  • 2021, 'Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses: South Australia Snapshot Report', Report
  • 2021, 'Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences and Schooling Responses: Western Australia Snapshot Report', Report
  • 2018, 'Diversity and Safety on Campus @ Western', Report
  • 2018, 'Welcoming Social Wellness: Exploring the Impact of LGBTIQ-Affirming Health and Community Care on Older Gender and Sexuality-Diverse Women's Wellbeing and Sense of Belonging', Report
  • 2013, 'Managing Sexual Diversity in Secondary Schools: Perspectives from Canada', Report
  • 2010, 'Supporting Refugee Students Through the Refugee Action Support (RAS) Program: What Works in Schools', Report
  • 2009, 'Refugee Action Support (RAS) Program: Research Evaluation 2009', Report

Previous Projects

Title: Negotiating Sexual Subjectivities: The experiences of early childhood educators
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Tania Ferfolja
Years: 2004-08-24 - 2005-12-20
ID: P0010228
Title: Preparing beginning teachers for hard-to-staff schools
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Tania Ferfolja and Margaret Vickers
Years: 2006-12-20 - 2008-06-30
ID: P0015440
Title: Managing sexual diversity in secondary schools. Perspectives from Canada and Australia
Funder:
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Western Researchers: Tania Ferfolja
Years: 2012-05-16 - 2013-03-31
ID: P00021032
Title: The Elephant in the (Class)room: Parents' and students' perceptions of LGBTQ education
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Tania Ferfolja and Jacqueline Ullman
Years: 2013-12-09 - 2015-03-31
ID: P00021833
Title: Literacy development and acculturation for refugee students in the homework centres
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
  • The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation
Western Researchers: Loshini Naidoo, Margaret Vickers and Tania Ferfolja
Years: 2007-08-30 - 2009-06-30
ID: P0015661
Title: Anti-Homophobia Education in Teacher Training Courses in New South Wales
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Kerry Robinson and Tania Ferfolja
Years: 2002-01-01 - 2002-12-31
ID: P0011510
Title: Teaching to make a difference: Supporting Sudanese Refugee Students in Western Sydney
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
  • NSW Department of Education & Training
  • Catholic Education Office
Western Researchers: Margaret Vickers, Tania Ferfolja and Rosemary Suliman
Years: 2006-12-20 - 2008-03-31
ID: P0015437
Title: Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Schools: Parental Experiences
Funder:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Tania Ferfolja and Jacqueline Ullman
Years: 2018-01-01 - 2022-11-30
ID: P00023899
Title: Impact Study Research on the Safe Schools Making the Links 2004 pilot project
Funder:
  • NSW Department of Education & Training
Western Researchers: Margaret Vickers, Kerry Robinson, Tania Ferfolja and Maggie Clarke
Years: 2005-09-05 - 2007-05-31
ID: P0014751
Title: Equity and Justice: Gender, sexuality, health and education
Funder:
  • The Ian Potter Foundation Limited
Western Researchers: Tania Ferfolja
Years: 2015-11-22 - 2015-11-23
ID: P00022929
Title: Welcoming Social Wellness (WSW): Exploring the impact of LGBTQI-affirming health and community care on older gender and sexually diverse women's wellbeing and sense of belonging
Funder:
  • Department of Family and Community Services
Western Researchers: Tinashe Dune, Jacqueline Ullman and Tania Ferfolja
Years: 2016-06-06 - 2017-11-13
ID: P00023178
Title: Supporting Refugee Students through the RAS initiative: Programs of 'Best practice'
Funder:
  • The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation
Western Researchers: Tania Ferfolja and Loshini Naidoo
Years: 2009-12-11 - 2011-12-31
ID: P00017435
Title: Development and piloting of a menstrual health literacy program for women aged under 25
Funder:
  • Kimberly-Clark Australia Pty Ltd
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Mike Armour, Kathryn Holmes, Caroline Smith, Freya Macmillan, Tania Ferfolja and Christina Curry
Years: 2018-01-15 - 2019-04-30
ID: P00024520
Title: Lesbian and gay teachers speak: A study of the effects of schooling and institutional cultures on sexual subjectivities in metropolitan Sydney
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Tania Ferfolja
Years: 2010-11-30 - 2012-08-31
ID: P00019578
Title: School teachers and parents/carers' understanding of endometriosis and pelvic pain
Funder:
  • Endometriosis Australia
Western Researchers: Christina Curry, Kathryn Holmes, Tania Ferfolja and Mike Armour
Years: 2021-11-15 - 2023-06-30
ID: P00027526

Supervision

Associate Professor Ferfolja is available to be a principal supervisor for doctoral projects

Current Supervision

Thesis Title: An inquiry into the lived experiences of Nepalese students studying at Australian third party providers of higher education using a Bourdieu's theory of practice.
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Pre-Service Teachers: Effects on their Identity and Self Efficacy in the Primary Mathematics Practicum Classroom
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Pre-Service Teachers: Effects on their Identity and Self Efficacy in the Primary Mathematics Practicum Classroom
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: How do mid-career professionals experience the transition from beginning teacher to accomplished practitioner?
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: How do boys learn? A case study approach in High Schools in NSW
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: MRES International coursework
Field of Research:

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