ISDenver faculty, Rachael Maria Downs, gathered with scholars and researchers from around the world to present at the Scottish Education Research Association Annual Conference in November. SERA is a member of the European Educational Research Association and the World Education Research Association. The three-day conference, hosted by the University of Dundee, took place November 27-29. The conference invites researchers and practitioners working in Scottish and international research contexts to share their insights. This year’s theme was Education is a Fragile World: Past, Present, Future.

Downs joined the International School of Denver in the 2024-25 school year as the K-8 Physical Education Lead and Middle School PE Teacher. With a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Edinburgh, Rachael is passionate about inclusive education, experiential learning, lifelong participation in physical activity, and developing her capacity to ensure to the physical and emotional welfare of all students. Downs' article was selected for publication in a journal, and she is actively working towards expanding her research into larger-scale projects. In addition to her academic achievements, she has been a competitive soccer player throughout her life, competing at the second- and third-tiers of women's football in Scotland. Outside of sports, Downs is passionate about dance and choreography, and is hoping to enhance the expressive arts programme at ISDenver in the future. 

With her impressive Curriculum Vitae, and lived experience as teacher, coach, and athlete, Downs presented her scholarly research entitled Agency & Female Disengagement: Investigating the Empowering and Controlling Factors Throughout Teachers' Practice. Her research looks into PE Teachers' agency when tackling the long-researched concern of female disengagement in PE and wider Physical Activity.

Downs had the distinct pleasure of presenting alongside her University mentor, Dr. Justine MacLean.