Ben Van Gelderen

Biography

Ben van Gelderen is a Lecturer in Education; Co-ordinator of the Growing Our Own project. This innovative program began in 2009 and is a joint partnership between CDU and the Catholic Education Office Northern Territory, involving the delivery of the Bachelor of Education in five remote Indigenous communities. Ben began working life in the legal field but much preferred passing on his love of literature and language to high school students. He has worked as an English teacher, Chaplain, Teacher/Linguist, EAL/D consultant and Curriculum Advisor in Independent and Catholic schools across NSW and NT

Research Interest

• ‘Both ways’ holistic practice in Indigenous community schools. • Yolngu language revitalisation programs. • Use of digital technologies in cultural preservation. • Scaffolding literacy programs and links to traditional Indigenous pedagogies. • History and impact of the Missionary movement in remote communities.