Dr Amanda Samson is an academic leader in the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. She is recognised for her work in mentoring, leadership development, and professional formation across the educator career lifecycle. Amanda brings deep expertise in designing and leading large-scale, accredited programs, with a strong track record of translating research into practical, system-ready leadership and mentoring solutions. She has also been a Head of Secondary School and held other school based leadership roles.

As Course Coordinator of the Master of Teaching (Secondary), Amanda leads complex, high-enrolment programs, providing strategic direction across curriculum design, assessment governance, staff capability, and student progression. Her leadership is characterised by coherence, clarity, and a commitment to building strong professional cultures.

A defining feature of Amanda’s work is mentoring as leadership practice. She has designed, evaluated, and scaled evidence-informed mentoring frameworks and professional learning programs for preservice teachers, early career educators, and middle leaders, nationally and internationally. Her approach positions mentoring as a critical lever for professional judgement, identity formation, and sustainable workforce development.

Amanda is also the founder of UniConnected, a digital innovation that strengthens school–university partnerships and supports employability through early, authentic professional experience. Across all her work, she is known for combining strategic leadership, relational practice, and a sharp focus on impact.