Joanne O’Mara is an Associate Professor in Language and Literature Education in the Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. An experienced secondary English and Drama teacher, she has continued to work with young people and schools through her university research. Her research focuses on emergent literacies and new textual practices; digital games; drama pedagogy; and the spatial, social and temporal dimensions of teachers’ work. A hallmark of O’Mara’s research program is the establishment of ongoing strategic partnerships with inbuilt benefits to all parties, working in collaboration with students, teachers, schools, professional associations and key education authorities.