Sharon Tindall-Ford is an Associate Professor in Education at the University of Wollongong; her research has focused on making a positive change for school students, and pre- and in-service teachers. Her work in cognitive load theory (CLT) has investigated how CLT effects of modality, imagination and self-management can inform teachers' instructional design to support student learning. Her more recent research has focused on two key inter-related areas: educational policy and school leader professional development, with a specific focus on school middle leaders and the development of social–emotional educational leadership.