Dr Karen Cornelius

Educational leader, photographer & greyhound mum

I am an experienced educational leader, passionate photographer, and devoted greyhound mum based in Adelaide on Kaurna Country. When I'm not behind a camera or in a classroom, you'll probably find me out walking with my retired greyhound Molly and the wonderful greyhound walking community around Adelaide.

My career in education has spanned leadership roles in metropolitan schools (R-7, P-7), international education in Thailand (Leader, Birth-8), and remote area schools (P-12), as well as regional leadership positions focusing on literacy and site management.

At the state level, I served as Director Primary, contributing significantly to the Teaching for Effective Learning (TfEL) framework and representing South Australia's relationship with ACARA through consultation on the Australian Curriculum and leadership of its implementation in primary schools.

Academic qualifications

  • Ph.D., James Cook University - 'Aspirations for equity and excellence'
  • Graduate Diploma in Building Professional Learning Communities (2008, UniSA)
  • Master of Education (2002, Flinders University)
  • Bachelor of Education - Leadership (1988, Flinders University)
  • Graduate Diploma of Reading Education (1980, UniSA)
  • Diploma of Teaching (1977, Sturt CAE)

Recognition

In 2002, I received the National Merit Award for educational leadership at Reynella East CPC-7 School, recognising my contributions to educational excellence and innovation.

Current focus

Currently serving as a Lecturer in Early Childhood, I continue to contribute to the development of future educators while maintaining my research interests in educational equity and excellence.

Photography & creative work

Beyond my academic and educational work, I am a passionate photographer with a Diploma from the Centre for Creative Photography. My photographic practice focuses on composition, design, and capturing authentic moments across diverse contexts. I specialise in documentary photography, portraits, and capturing the essence of places and events through my lens.

This website showcases my photographic journey, documenting travels, experiences, and observations through a creative lens.

Molly & me

I share my life with Molly, a retired racing greyhound and the most elegant couch potato you'll ever meet. I'm a strong opponent of the greyhound racing industry and a passionate advocate for the rehoming and welfare of these gentle, gorgeous dogs.

One of the best things about having a greyhound is the community that comes with it — the greyhound walking groups around Adelaide on Kaurna Country are full of wonderful people and their lanky, loveable hounds.