Biography and expertise

Biography

Sharon Leslie is the Academic Director of Transnational Education Partnerships and English Language Programs at Southern Cross University, Australia. She has worked in education in Australia for almost two decades, across sectors. Before joining Southern Cross University as a lecturer in 2015, Sharon worked as an English as an additional language advisory visiting teacher for Education Queensland, as a teacher in migrant education with TAFE, and as an educator, manager, and assessor in ELICOS Colleges and at QUT.

Research

Sharon's research interests include Transnational Education (TNE), English language proficiency and assessment, student engagement and experience, teacher identity and professional learning, and online language education.

Community engagement

Sharon is an active member of all peak bodies representing the teaching of English as an additional language (EAL) in Australia. She also sits on the NEAS Advisory Council and the management committee of the Queensland Association of TESOL teachers (QATESOL).

Teaching

Sharon is the Director of English Language Programs at SCU, which comprises academic language and literacy units taught in Australia, online and offshore with partner universities in China and Japan.

Link

Honours

Inspiring Educators Award
Southern Cross University, 2025

Organisational affiliations

Director, English Language Programs, SCU College, Southern Cross University

Education

Griffith University
19961999, Bachelor of Arts (Language & Applied Linguistics)
Southern Cross University
Bachelor of Education (Honours)
Griffith University
Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary)
Queensland University of Technology
20042005, Master of Education (TESOL)
Queensland University of Technology (Australia, Brisbane) - QUT
20192025, Doctor of Education