Dr David Cohen

Dr David Cohen started his professional career in education as a science teacher at a Melbourne secondary school following his graduation from The University of Melbourne. He became Head of the Department at Swinburne and Caulfield Technical Colleges. Following his award of a Victorian Institute Educational Research Prize and an award for outstanding science teacher David was seconded to Toorak Teachers’ College as a lecturer in Education. He received a travelling scholarship to Michigan State University in the United States where he graduated with a PhD in 1964. On returning to Melbourne and lecturing at the Technical Teachers’ College David was appointed as an officer-in-charge of the Victorian research division and research consultant to the national science curriculum materials project.

Dr Cohen took up a Senior Lecturership in Education at Macquarie University in 1969, was promoted to Associate Professor and founded the Departments of Curriculum Studies and Educational Media. In 1972 he became a UNESCO Consultant for Australia to France, the USA, the UK and Poland. Dr Cohen was a co-founder of Currambena alternative school and The Emanuel School. He played an active role in several Jewish education organizations. In 1980 Dr Cohen was seconded as Director of Studies (Curriculum and Assessment) for the NSW Department of Education. Since retiring he has played a most active role in many educational and community organizations. He is a prolific author and editor of 26 books, 13 book chapters and 30 research reports.