Michelle Ralston has extensive experience in mainstream and special education, teaching children from 3 years of age through to 18 year olds. She has led whole school change in literacy and inclusion in her roles as assistant principal, learning-support team coordinator, itinerant communication/language disorders and learning support teacher within mainstream schools. She lectures at the undergraduate level (Primary Education) and is the course convenor for the postgraduate Master of Education Program at Avondale University. Her current research interests include the Disability Standards for Education and related policies, the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, tertiary education for post-graduate teachers, learning and development experiences for school staff, and the role of school leaders in promoting inclusive practice. Michelle has published in peer reviewed journals and a textbook on topics that include the transformation of schools for effective transition, issues related to special and inclusive education, and strategies to support literacy competence. She has been an active participant in NSW Parliamentary Inquiries and the national review of the Australian Disability Standards for Education.