Conor West, BEd(Prim), PhD, AThR, has been an academic within Australian initial teacher education programs since 2014. Conor has applied her expertise in educational psychology, classroom managegment and education methodology across many contexts, including in schools and universities in Australia and Europe. As a Lecturer (Academic Development) within UOW's central learning and teaching unit (LTC) between 2020 and 2025, she acted as academic lead within univeristy-wide award, peer review and professional development programs, as well as supporting applicants in the Australian Awards for Univeristy Teaching (AAUT). As current Academic Program Director for the Master of Teaching (Primary & Secondary), she coordinates admissions, progression and academic support for hundreds of pre-service teachers each year. As a registered art therapist, her future research includes teacher identity, teacher identity and teacher wellbeing support using arts-based practices.