Robyn Floyd, Ph.D., is an author and educator with a lifelong passion for storytelling and history.
Her dissertation focused on early Australian children's literature, with a particular emphasis on early fairy tales and the works of child author Olga Ernst. This research explored the intersection of fairy tales and the Australian bush, shedding light on how these stories shaped and reflected cultural identity. Robyn was awarded the Australian Fairy Tale Society’s National Fairy Tale Award in 2019 for her contribution to research.
With experience spanning early childhood primary, secondary, and tertiary teaching, Robyn has also authored numerous educational articles and resources including the Girlfriends! Program nominated as a Judith Leeson Civics Award finalist.
Robyn was also awarded the ACEC (National) and ICTEV (State) Teacher of the Year for her contribution to bilingual literacy resources for deaf students.
Robyn’s passion for history extends beyond academia. She has spent countless weekends in regional Victoria delving into archives, piecing together her family’s history. This exploration inspired her book, Great-Great-Great Aunt Matilda: Wookey Hole, Somerset to Hawthorn, Victoria, an account of the extraordinary stories that can be found in everyday lives.
The House That Peter Built is Robyn's current project, a historical narrative tracing the life of German immigrant brickmaker Peter Heil with a focus on the enduring spirit of place – how a house is more than timber and bricks, how it becomes memory, belonging and legacy.
PUBLICATIONS:
- Nail Boy: (2005) a children’s picture book published in Auslan/standard English split screen animation CD and book by Victorian College Deaf/Education Foundation.
- Girlfriends: Camaraderie, Connections, Community, Confidence. (2010) Teaching Solutions.
- Great, Great, Great, Aunt Matilda, Wookey Hole Somerset to Hawthorn, Victoria. (2024), Bookpod.
- Sparking Curiosity https://prov.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-blog/sparking-curiosity
- Researching teacher and writer Olga Ernst https://prov.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-blog/researching-teacher-and-author-olga-ernst