Dean of Education awarded Bloch Distinguished Career Award in early childhood education

Faculty of Education Dean Professor Marek Tesar has won a Bloch Distinguished Career Award, the highest award offered by the international Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE) organisation.

Professor Tesar won the award at RECE’s 31st annual conference, hosted in Chile. The Bloch Distinguished Career Award recognises senior scholars whose work has made sustained and transformative contributions to reconceptualising early childhood research, practice and theory at local, national and international levels. Professor Tesar was also recognised as an Elder of the Society.

The Bloch Distinguished Career Award is peer nominated and is awarded to RECE-affiliated scholars.  RECE cited Professor Tesar’s exceptional record as a scholar, mentor and leader whose work has shaped critical inquiry and advanced early childhood education globally.

“At this stage of my career, it is both humbling and moving to receive this honour from international peers whose work I deeply respect,” said Professor Tesar.

“This recognition reflects not only my own work, but the collective efforts, conversations and collaborations that have shaped my thinking over many years.

Professor Tesar is an internationally recognised expert in early childhood education, whose research has explored education policy, philosophy, pedagogy, methodology and curriculum. He joined the Faculty of Education and was appointed Dean in 2025.

“The impact of education is multiplied through those we teach, and I remain deeply passionate about helping the next generation shape more just, thoughtful and inclusive educational futures. Mentoring and teaching emerging scholars and educators to take intellectual risks and find their own voices gives me enormous hope."

Since 2018, Professor Tesar has served as Chair of the RECE Steering Committee and championed initiatives including the RECE Graduate Circle and Indigenous Caucus.

RECE is an international organisation dedicated to the reconceptualisation education movement.