ProfessorE. Jayne White

Professor  E. Jayne White leads early years scholarship at the University of Canterbury. As Director of Seeing and Sensing Early Becomings (SaSEB) Lab, she brings dialogic philosophy, pedagogy and methodology together to explore critical and creative ways of bringing our youngest learners, and their perspectives, into view.  She is interested in “what could be” when diverse lenses are brought to bear on how young children are, or could be, seen. Her emphasis is on advancing positive outcomes for infants, toddlers and young children – so that their contributions are taken seriously in matters that concern them. She works closely with children, families and teachers towards this goal. 

Jayne brings an extensive background – spanning over 40 years - as teacher, researcher, philosopher, author, editor,  and scholar to this platform. She has authored over 100 books and articles, with significant research translations in policy and practice. Coupled with her prestigious role as Editor-in-chief of Springer’s International Journal of Early Childhood, Jayne leads an international network of researcher who promulgate cutting-edge research that makes a difference for infants, toddlers and young children – wherever they may be across the globe. As co-founder and Fellow of  Association for Visual Pedagogies - she has co-initiated and led a visual movement in educational thought and practice. Combined with her Fellowship role in Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia, she brings visual philosophy to bear on contemporary educational scholarship. 

The impacts of Jayne’s research can be felt in practice, research and policy: ECE teachers are empowered to be more critical, creative and inclusive in their pedagogical efforts; while researchers adopt methodologies and philosophies that prioritise diverse dialogues and interrogate their meanings. One-size-fits-all policies or practices are invited to adjust their orientations in consideration of diverse perspectives and their consequences for those who are affected the most. As Life Member of Aotearoa OMEP - Jayne advocates for ECE both locally and globally in this regard. Jayne's 2025 selection as recipient of the Springer Award for Publication Excellence: Community Engagement is clear evidence of her dedication and skill as editorial leader across complex systems and global contexts. 

Jayne is interested in supervising PhD students and collaborating with colleagues who share an interest in early years scholarship (concerning aspects of learning for children aged birth to eight) where dialogues – their diverse forms and nuanced meanings – are taken seriously. She is keen to work with future facing topics concerning (proto/post) digital futures, philosophy-practice interanimations, sustainable responses to climate change issues with children at their heart, transdisciplinary alliances that cross divides and address real-world issues facing ECE, and pedagogical comparisons/innovations within and across culture. Projects that are oriented to Jayne’s world-leading expertise in visualities and/or dialogic methodologies are especially welcome.