Rate My Professor Susannah Smith

Susannah Smith serves as Associate Professor in the School of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment, Faculty of Education, at the University of Canterbury, a role she has occupied since 16 April 2018. In this capacity, she is also the Head of School for Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment. She is actively involved as a researcher within the Child Well-being Research Institute at the University of Canterbury. Smith's doctoral research culminated in a PhD thesis that developed a new pedagogy for movement pleasure. Her scholarly profile on Google Scholar highlights key research interests encompassing physical education, curriculum, child well-being, and Olympic studies, with her publications collectively cited over 3,238 times. These interests align closely with her contributions to advancing pedagogical approaches in movement and well-being for children and youth.

Smith's teaching responsibilities at the University of Canterbury include courses in physical education, specifically the Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum for secondary teaching levels, sports coaching focusing on pedagogies and human development, and broader topics in pedagogical leadership. Her professional leadership extends beyond the university, where she holds the positions of President and Board Chair of Physical Education New Zealand (PENZ), guiding the organization's strategic direction with extensive experience in physical education curriculum, child and youth development, and Olympic education. She contributes to research grants and projects through the Child Well-being Research Institute, supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing children's holistic well-being. Among her key publications are 'Campfires as aesthetic experience: a time and space to linger and reflect' published in 2025, co-authored with Hannah Berning, Chris North, and Te Hurinui Renata Karaka-Clarke, and 'The Contribution Transport Time Makes to Outdoor Programs: A Third Place' from 2021. Smith's work demonstrates substantial influence in shaping physical education practices, curriculum integration, and child well-being research within New Zealand's academic and professional communities, evidenced by her high citation impact and leadership roles.