Richard Niesche is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. He has taught in both NSW and QLD. His research interests include educational leadership, the principalship and social justice. His particular research focus is to use critical perspectives in educational leadership to examine the work of school principals in disadvantaged schools and how they can work towards achieving more socially just outcomes. He has published his research in a range of peer-reviewed journals and is the author of a number of books including Foucault and Educational leadership: Disciplining the Principal (Routledge, 2011), Deconstructing Educational Leadership: Derrida and Lyotard (Routledge, 2013), Leadership, Ethics and Schooling for Social Justice (co-authored with Professor Amanda Keddie, Routledge, 2016), and Social, Critical and Political Theories for Educational leadership (co-authored with Dr Christina Gowlett, Springer, 2019). He is the founding co-editor (with Associate Professor Scott Eacott) of the ‘Educational Leadership Theory’ book series with Springer. His latest book is Theorising Identity and Subjectivity in Educational Leadership Research (co-edited with Dr Amanda Heffernan, Routledge, 2020).
Books
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Niesche R; Gowlett C, 2019, Social, Critical and Political Theories for Educational Leadership, Springer, Singapore, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8241-3
2019
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2015, Leadership, Ethics and Schooling for Social Justice, Routledge, London and New York, http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315818399
2015
Niesche R, 2013, Deconstructing Educational Leadership: Derrida and Lyotard, Routledge, http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780203576687
2013
Eacott S; Niesche R, (eds.), 2013, Empirical Leadership Research: Letting the Data Speak for Themselves, Untested Ideas Research Centre, Niagara Falls
2013
Eacott S; Niesche R, (ed.), 2013, Empirical Leadership Research: Letting the Data Speak for Themselves, Untested Ideas Research Centre, Niagara Falls
2013
Niesche R, 2011, Foucault and Educational Leadership: Disciplining the Principal, Routledge, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000289779000007&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
2011
Jorgensen R; Sullivan P; Grootenboer P; Niesche R; Lerman S; Boaler J, 2011, Maths in the Kimberley: Reforming Mathematics Education in Remote Indigenous Communities, Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University
2011
Book Chapters
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Niesche R, 2019, 'Educational (Leadership) and Pharmakon', in Pederzini G (ed.), Considering Leadership Anew A Handbook on Alternative Leadership Theory, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, pp. 115 - 125, https://www.cambridgescholars.com/considering-leadership-anew
2019
Niesche R, 2018, 'School and principal autonomy: Resisting, not manufacturing, the neoliberal subject', in Wilkinson J; Niesche R; Eacott S (ed.), , Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon, pp. 31 - 43
2018
Eacott S; Niesche R, 2018, 'The Principal and School Improvement Theorising Discourse, Policy, and Practice Series Editors' Foreword', in , SPRINGER-VERLAG SINGAPORE PTE LTD, pp. V - VII
2018
Wilkinson J; Eacott S; Niesche R, 2018, 'Challenges for public education: Perils and possibilities for educational leadership, policy and social justice', in Wilkinson J; Niesche R; Eacott S (ed.), , Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon, pp. 1 - 15
2018
Niesche R, 2018, 'School and principal autonomy: Resisting, not manufacturing, the neoliberal subject', in Wilkinson J; Niesche R; Eacott S (ed.), Challenges for public education: Reconceptualising educational leadership, policy and social justice as resources for hope, Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon, pp. 31 - 43,
2018
Burckhardt R; Blaszczynski A, 2017, 'Gambling', in Foundations for Couples' Therapy: Research for the Real World, pp. 166 - 175,
2017
Niesche R; Thomson P, 2017, 'Freedom to what ends?-School autonomy in neoliberal times', in Waite D; Bogotch I (ed.), The Wiley International Handbook of Educational Leadership, Wiley Blackwell, New Jersey, pp. 193 - 206, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781118956717.ch11
2017
Gowlett C; Niesche R, 2017, 'Learner diversity and school practices', in Gobby B; Walker R (ed.), Powers of Curriculum: Sociological perspectives on Education, Oxford University Press, Melbourne Victoria, pp. 353 - 372, https://www.oup.com.au/books/higher-education/education/9780190303709-powers-of-curriculum
2017
Keddie A; Niesche R, 2017, 'The role of ethical practices in pursuing socially just leadership', in Wilkinson J; Bristol L (ed.), Educational Leadership as a Culturally-Constructed Practice, Routledge, Milton Park, Abingdon, pp. 40 - 53, http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315690308
2017
Niesche R, 2016, 'Perpetuating Inequality in Education: Valuing Purpose over Process in Educational Leadership', in Normore A; Brooks J (ed.), The Dark Side of Leadership Identifying and Overcoming Unethical Practice in Organizations, Emerald, pp. 235 - 252, http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/S1479-366020160000026013
2016
Niesche R, 2016, 'Foucault and educational administration', in Peters M (ed.), Encyclopedia of Educational Philosophy and Theory, Springer, Singapore, pp. 1 - 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-532-7_286-1
2016
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2016, 'Theoretical tools', in LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND SCHOOLING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 51 - 68, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000364487600003&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
2016
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2016, 'The Clementine-led alliance Articulating a telos of social justice', in LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND SCHOOLING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 105 - 125, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000364487600006&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
2016
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2016, 'tLeadership, ethics and schooling for social justice Conclusion', in LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND SCHOOLING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 147 - 158, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000364487600008&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
2016
Niesche R, 2016, 'Zombie leadership, the différend and deconstruction', in Lakomski G; Eacott S; Evers C (ed.), Questioning Leadership: New Directions for Educational Organisations, Routledge, Abingdon, Oxford, UK, pp. 73 - 85, http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315678610-17
2016
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2016, 'Ridgeway State High School Articulating a telos of social justice', in LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND SCHOOLING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 69 - 87, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000364487600004&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
2016
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2016, 'Advocacy, truth-telling and counter-conduct as practices of socially just leadership at Ridgeway', in LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND SCHOOLING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 89 - 104, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000364487600005&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
2016
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2016, 'Leadership, Ethics and Schooling for Social Justice Introduction', in LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND SCHOOLING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 1 - 11, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000364487600001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
2016
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2016, 'Advocacy, truth-telling and counter-conduct as practices of socially just leadership in the Clementine-led alliance', in LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND SCHOOLING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 127 - 146, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000364487600007&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
2016
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2016, 'Contexts of educational leadership and social justice', in LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND SCHOOLING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 13 - 49, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000364487600002&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a
2016
Niesche R, 2013, 'Combating role discontinuity for principals of remote indigenous schools', in Pedagogies to Enhance Learning for Indigenous Students: Evidence-based Practice, pp. 61 - 74, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4021-84-5_4
2013
Jorgensen R; Grootenboer P; Niesche R, 2013, 'Teachers' beliefs and practices in teaching mathematics in remote Aboriginal schools', in Pedagogies to Enhance Learning for Indigenous Students: Evidence-Based Practice, Springer, Dordrecht, pp. 75 - 88, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4021-84-5_5
2013
Niesche R, 2013, 'Combating role discontinuity for principals of remote Indigenous schools', in Jorgensen R; Sullivan P (ed.), Pedagogies to Enhance Learning for Indigenous Students: Evidence-Based Practice, Springer, Dordrecht, pp. 61 - 74, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4021-84-5
2013
Eacott S; Niesche R, 2013, 'Empirical leadership research: letting the data speak for themselves', in Eacott S (ed.), Empirical Leadership Research: Letting the Data Speak for Themselves, Untested Ideas Research Centre, New York, pp. 1 - 11
2013
Niesche R; Mills M, 2013, 'Creating 'temperamental artistes': A longitudinal study of leadership capacity building in disadvantaged schools', in Eacott S; Niesche R (ed.), Empirical Leadership Research: Letting the Data Speak for Themselves, Untested Ideas Research Centre, New York, pp. 143 - 164
2013
Eacott S; Niesche R, 2013, 'Empirical leadership research: letting the data speak for themselves', in Eacott S; Niesche R (ed.), Empirical leadership research: letting the data speak for themselves, Untested Ideas Center, Niagara Falls,, pp. 1 - 14
2013
Niesche R, 2011, 'Foucault and Educational Leadership Disciplining the principal Introduction', in FOUCAULT AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: DISCIPLINING THE PRINCIPAL, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 1 - +, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000289779000001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
2011
Niesche R, 2011, 'Leading and managing as ethical work', in FOUCAULT AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: DISCIPLINING THE PRINCIPAL, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 104 - 135, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000289779000005&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
2011
Niesche R, 2011, ''Doing' leadership differently', in FOUCAULT AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: DISCIPLINING THE PRINCIPAL, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 136 - 139, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000289779000006&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
2011
Niesche R, 2011, 'Disciplinary regimes under self-governance', in FOUCAULT AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: DISCIPLINING THE PRINCIPAL, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 64 - +, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000289779000004&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
2011
Niesche R, 2011, 'A Foucauldian toolbox for educational leadership', in FOUCAULT AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: DISCIPLINING THE PRINCIPAL, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 17 - +, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000289779000002&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
2011
Niesche R, 2011, 'Discourses of educational leadership', in FOUCAULT AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: DISCIPLINING THE PRINCIPAL, ROUTLEDGE, pp. 41 - +, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000289779000003&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
2011
Niesche R, 2005, 'Disengaging leadership: educational administration and management as a field of scientific knowledge', in Yamanashi J (ed.), Researching Identity, Diversity & Education: Surpassing the Norm, Post Pressed, Teneriffe, pp. 20 - 35
2005
Journal articles
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Keddie A; MacDonald K; Blackmore J; Wilkinson J; Gobby B; Niesche R; Eacott S; Mahoney C, 2020, 'The constitution of school autonomy in Australian public education: areas of paradox for social justice', International Journal of Leadership in Education, pp. 1 - 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2020.1781934
2020
Keddie A; Claire MacDonald K; Blackmore J; Eacott S; Gobby B; Mahony C; Niesche R; Wilkinson J, 2020, 'School autonomy, marketisation and social justice: the plight of principals and schools', Journal of Educational Administration and History, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00220620.2020.1818699
2020
Gobby B; Niesche R, 2019, 'Community empowerment? School autonomy, school boards and depoliticising governance', Australian Educational Researcher, vol. 46, pp. 565 - 582, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13384-019-00303-9
2019
Gobby B; Niesche R, 2019, 'Community empowerment? School autonomy, school boards and depoliticising governance', Australian Educational Researcher, vol. 46, pp. 565 - 582,
2019
Niesche R, 2018, 'Foucault and School Leadership Research: Bridging Theory and Method', BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES, vol. 66, pp. 418 - 420, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00071005.2018.1443724
2018
Niesche R, 2018, 'Foucault and School Leadership Research: Bridging Theory and Method', BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES, vol. 66, pp. 418 - 420,
2018
Niesche R, 2017, 'Critical perspectives in educational leadership: A new 'theory turn'?', Journal of Educational Administration and History, vol. 50, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00220620.2017.1395600
2017
Kabgani S; Niesche R; Gulson K, 2017, 'Psycho-politicising educational subjectivity: A post humanist consideration of Ranciere and Lacan', Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 50, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2017.1402677
2017
Niesche R, 2015, 'Governmentality and My School: School Principals in Societies of Control', Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 47, pp. 133 - 145, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2013.793925
2015
Niesche R, 2015, 'What use is Foucault in education today?', Journal of Educational Administration and History, vol. 48, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00220620.2015.1034575
2015
Niesche R, 2015, 'Guest Editorial', Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 47, pp. 113 - 117, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2013.793923
2015
Niesche R; Gowlett C, 2015, 'Advocating a Post-structuralist Politics for Educational Leadership', Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 47, pp. 372 - 386, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2014.976930
2015
Niesche R, 2015, 'Guest Editorial', Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 47, pp. 113 - 117, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2013.793923
2015
Mills M; Niesche R, 2014, 'School reform and the emotional demands of principals: Lorna's story', School Leadership and Management, vol. 34, pp. 120 - 135, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2013.856295
2014
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2014, 'Issues of Indigenous representation: White advocacy and the complexities of ethical leadership', International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, vol. 27, pp. 509 - 526, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09518398.2013.771223
2014
Niesche R, 2013, 'Guest Editorial', Educational Philosophy and Theory, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2013.793923
2013
Niesche R, 2013, 'Politicizing articulation: Applying Lyotard's work to the use of standards in educational leadership', International Journal of Leadership in Education, vol. 16, pp. 220 - 233, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2012.688874
2013
Niesche R, 2013, 'Deploying educational leadership as a form of governmentality', Discourse, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01596306.2013.805018
2013
Niesche R; Mills M, 2013, 'Creating ‘temperamental artistes’: A longitudinal study of leadership capacity building in disadvantaged schools', Leadership and Policy Quarterly, vol. 2, pp. 181 - 197, http://www.untestedideas.com/journals.php?journal=LPQ
2013
Niesche R, 2013, 'Foucault, counter-conduct and school leadership as a form of political subjectivity', Journal of Educational Administration and History, vol. 45, pp. 144 - 158, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00220620.2013.768968
2013
Niesche R, 2012, 'Heads on the block', DISCOURSE-STUDIES IN THE CULTURAL POLITICS OF EDUCATION, vol. 33, pp. 457 - 464, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01596306.2012.681903
2012
Keddie A; Niesche R, 2012, 'Productive engagements with student difference: Supporting equity through cultural recognition', British Educational Research Journal, vol. 38, pp. 333 - 348, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01411926.2010.544713
2012
Niesche R; Haase M, 2012, 'Emotions and Ethics: A Foucauldian framework for becoming an ethical educator', Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 44, pp. 276 - 288, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-5812.2010.00655.x
2012
Keddie A; Niesche R, 2012, ''It's almost like a White school now': Racialised complexities, Indigenous representation and school leadership', Critical Studies in Education, vol. 53, pp. 169 - 182, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17508487.2012.672330
2012
Jorgensen R; Niesche R, 2011, 'Curriculum leadership in remote Indigenous communities', Leading and Managing, vol. 17, pp. 45 - 58
2011
Niesche R; Keddie A, 2011, 'Foregrounding issues of equity and diversity in educational leadership', School Leadership and Management, vol. 31, pp. 65 - 77, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2010.545381
2011
Jorgensen Zevenbergen R; Grootenboer P; Niesche R; Lerman S, 2010, 'Challenges for teacher education: The mismatch between beliefs and practice in remote Indigenous contexts', Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, vol. 38, pp. 161 - 175, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13598661003677580
2010
Niesche R; Jorgensen R, 2010, 'Curriculum reform in remote areas: The need for productive leadership', Journal of Educational Administration, vol. 48, pp. 102 - 117, http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09578231011015449
2010
Niesche R, 2010, 'Discipline through documentation: A form of governmentality for school principals', International Journal of Leadership in Education, vol. 13, pp. 249 - 263, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13603121003692967
2010
Jorgensen R; Walsh L; Niesche R, 2009, 'Reforming schools: A case study of New Basics in a primary school', International Journal of Leadership in Education, vol. 12, pp. 115 - 133, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13603120802485094
2009
Jorgensen R; Niesche R, 2008, 'Equity, mathematics and classroom practice: developing rich mathematical experiences for disadvantaged students', Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom, vol. 13, pp. 21 - 27
2008
Niesche R, 2008, 'Leadership gender & culture in education. Male and female perspectives', AUSTRALIAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER, vol. 35, pp. 147 - 148, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF03216879
2008
2011 - 2013 University of Queensland Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
2009 Nominated for AARE Doctoral Thesis Award
2005 – 2007 University of Queensland Joint Research Scholarship (PhD)
Keddie, A., Blackmore, J., Wilkinson, J., Gobby, B., Niesche, R. & Eacott, S. (2019-2021) School autonomy reform and social justice in Australian public education. ARC DP190100190 ($350,000)
Vass, G. & Niesche, R. 2015-2018 Culture, Curriculum, and Community Project funded by the Ian Potter Foundation ($120,000)
Niesche, R. (2018). Equity Review. Gonski Institute for Education UNSW Sydney ($10,000)
Niesche, R. (2014). FASS Research Grant ($5,000)
Niesche, R. (2014). UNSW Goldstar Award ($10,000)
Niesche, R. (2011-2013). University of Queensland Postdoctoral Research Fellow ($241,000)