Teacher, Department of Education and Young People, TAS

Riki Duncan has over 25 years experience as an early childhood teacher and leader, and currently works with kindergarten and Prep children at South Hobart Primary School.

She began her career in South Australia where she worked as a kindergarten teacher and Director in regional and metropolitan communities. It was during this time that she developed an interest in the environment as the ‘third teacher’ and began her advocacy for children’s right to play.   

Riki sees herself as a learner and has participated in numerous teacher research initiatives, including Learning to Learn, Reconceptualising Reception and The Image of Child Project. In 2015 she received a scholarship to participate in the South Australian Collaborative Childhood Project study group to Reggio Emilia, and in 2016/2017 lead the Preschool Outdoor Learning Area Upgrade Project at Oaklands Estate Kindergarten.   

More recently as an Early Years Network Leader Riki worked with Tasmanian educators to strengthen pedagogy and practice through the implementation of the Refocus Teaching and Learning initiative.  

“Being an active committee member of Early Childhood Educators of Tasmania helps me reflect on my deep belief in close connection to community, and age appropriate pedagogies.”