Aleesah Darlison is an award-winning author, naturalist, and life-long learner. A keen observer of birds and animals, Aleesah enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge for the natural world and the environment. Aleesah has written over sixty-five books for children and has won or been shortlisted for many awards. Her titles include Our Class Tiger, the Endangered Animal Tales Series, Warambi, Stripes in the Forest: The Story of the Last Wild Thylacine, and Blue: Dragon of the Sea. Aleesah travels extensively, delivering talks and workshops at conferences, schools, preschools, libraries, literary festivals, and writers’ centres.

I bring 30 years of experience in education, spanning roles as a classroom teacher, team leader, and associate principal in New Zealand primary schools. I am currently a Senior Professional Practice Fellow at the University of Otago College of Education, where I work closely with student teachers and schools. My teaching passions include literacy, music, dance, and technology, with a focus on creative, inclusive practice. I am completing an EdD exploring the impacts of generative AI on early career teachers’ workload, wellbeing, and professional identity. I currently serve as President of Otago Literacy Association and Secretary of Music Educators Otago.