Biography
Mary joined the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences in 2005 and then served as Inaugural Dean of Education and Health Sciences (2008-2014). She established the PE PAYS Research Centre in 2005 and served as a Director for ten years. Mary's current research interests are focussed on Teacher Education practices and policies with projects on Irish teacher accreditation, global issues in Physical Education teacher education, and student voice (preservice teachers) in Physical Education.
Research Interests
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
Teaching and Teacher Education
Teacher Professional Education
Curriculum Innovation in PE
Teaching Interests
- Physical Education Pedagogical Content Knowledge
- Research on Teaching
- Research on Teacher Education
- Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education
- Role of the University in Learning to Teach
Professional Activities
Association
- 2014 Secretary General , AIESEP (International Assoc. for Physical Education in Higher Education)
- 2006 Member and Assoc Editor of Journal, Irish Educational Studies Association
- 2006 Member of the 2006 Abstract Review Panel for the Research Consortium for AAHPERD., Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
- 1998 Board of Governors, AIESEP (International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education)
- 1997 Member, Physical Education Association of Ireland
Award
- 2007 - UL Alumni Award Recipient
- 2006 - 2006 Physical Education SIG Scholar USA
- 2005 - 2005 Ohio State Distinguished Collaborative Award
- 2005 - British Educational Reserach Assocation Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy SIG Scholar
- 2005 - 2005 Colleg of Education Distinguished Collaborative Award
- 2004 - Metzler Freeman Exemplary Research Paper for Journal of Teaching in Physical Education
- 2004 - NAPEHE Administrator of Year Award
- 2004 - Michael Darmody Inagaural Lecture
- 2001 - Honor Award: AAHPERD Curriculum and Instruction Academy
- 1999 - Fellow, American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education (now known as American Academy of Kinesiology)
- 1997 - The Trinter Award (w/D Tannehill)
- 1996 - Honor Award
Committee
- 2006 Physical Education and Sport Sciences Taskforce,
- 2005 PESS Research Committee,
- 2005 Chair of Education Search Committee,
- 2005 UL Graduate Medical School Advisory Board,
- 2005 Public Appointments Service,
Employment
- 2005 University of Limerick - Professor
- 2005 University of Limerick - Dean
- 2001 The Ohio State University - Associate Dean, College of Education
- 1994 The Ohio State University - Interim Director, School of HPER
- 1991 The Ohio State University - Research Associate
- 1986 The Ohio State University - Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, & Professor
- 1983 University of Victoria - Assistant Professor
Education
- 2003 Harvard University - Certificate
- 1983 The Ohio State University, USA - Ph.D.
- 1980 University of Victoria, Canada - M.A.
- 1977 Thomond College of Education - B.A.
Publications
Book
Co-construction of PE content: contemporary research approaches: PESP Special Issue
Amade-Escot, C; O'Sullivan, M
Assessing Student and Team Responsibility in Physical Education
O'Sullivan, M; Henninger, M
Book Chapter
Multiple dimensions of interactivity: an empirically-based investigation of methodological issues in self study of practice research
Flethcher, Ni Chroinin, and O'Sullivan
Enacting Self study as methodology for professional inquiry
Critical friendship and meta-critical friendship: re-interrogating assumptions
Ni Chroinin, O'Sullivan, and Fletcher
Mindfulness and critical friendship: A new perspective on professional development for educators
Where We Go from Here: Developing Pedagogies for PETE and the Use of Self-Study in Physical Education and Teacher Education
O'Sullivan, M,
Self-Study in Physical Education Teacher Education
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-05663-0
Listening to Young People's Voices in Physical Education and Youth Sport
Enright, E, & O'Sullivan, M.
Resarch Methods in Physical Education and Youth Sport
Teaching as Professional Inquiry.
O'Sullivan, M; Tannehill, D; Hinchion, C
Physical Education For Learning: A Guide for Secondary Schools
Physical Education and Education through Sport in Ireland
MacPhail, A; O'Sullivan, M; Halbert, J
Physical Education and Sport Education in the European Union
The art and science of teaching in physical education and sport. Lisbon: MH Faculdade de Motricidada Humana.
O'Sullivan, M
Teachers' Beliefs as a Mirror of Possibilities for Physical Education.
Cultural Studies Curriculum in Physical Activity and Sport
O'Sullivan, M; Kinchin, G
Standards-based physical education curriculum development
Sport Pedagogy
Feingold, R; Crum, B; O'Sullivan, M; Naul, R
Vade Mecum
What Do We Know About the Professional Preparation of Teachers?
O'Sullivan, M
Enhancing student learning in physical education: A research approach to effective teaching (2nd ed.).
Gender equity and physical education: A USA pespective
O'Sullivan, M; Bush, K; Gehring, M
Gender and Physical Education: Contemporary Issues and Future Directions.
Looking Outward to the Future: A reaction of Locke's Looking Backward: 2100-2000.
O'Sullivan, M
Physical Education in the 21st Century,
Weaving a Web of Relationships
Stroot, S; O'Sullivan, M; Tannehill, D
Collaborative Reform and other improbable dreams
Young People are Talking but Are We Listening.
O'Sullivan, M
New Millennium and Sport Pedagogy,
Preparing Physical Education Teachers for the New Millennium: Keeping our Eyes on the Prize.
O'Sullivan, M; Tannehill, D
Seoul International Sport Science Congress Proceedings.
Education for An Active Lifestyle: Challenges to Teacher and Coach Preparation.
O'Sullivan, M
Physical Activity and Active Lifestyle of Children and Youth.
What do we know about the professional preparation of teachers
O'Sullivan, M
Enhancing student learning in physical education: A research approach to effective teaching
Goals and purposes of supervision
O'Sullivan, M; Tannehill, D
Health, physical education, and recreation into the twenty-first century: Proceedings of the ICHPER World Congress.
Physical Education in Ireland in the 21st Century: A view through the looking glass.
O'Sullivan, M; McCarthy, L
Health, physical education, and recreation into the twenty-first century: Proceedings of the ICHPER World Congress.
International Perspectives on the Future of Sport and Physical Education: A Synoptic Overview.
O'Sullivan, M
Health, physical education, and recreation into the twenty-first century: Proceedings of the ICHPER World Congress
Professional development of cooperating teachers
O'Sullivan, M
Sport and physical activity: Moving toward excellence. Proceedings of the AIESEP World Convention
The goals and purposes of supervision: Implications of theoretical perspectives.
O'Sullivan, M; Tannehill, D
Proceedings of the International Congress of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. August 1991, Limerick, Ireland.
Impact of interactive disc technology on preservice teachers ability to analyze motor performance
Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M; Stroot, S; Livingston, M
Technology and Teacher Education Annual 1991
Beginning teachers struggle for legitimacy
O'Sullivan, M
Proceedings of the Jyvaskyla Sport Congress AIESEP World Convention
The effects of monitoring on the verbal feedback of student teachers in secondary school physical education
O'Sullivan, M
The 28th ICHPER World Congress Proceedings
Using research on teaching
O'Sullivan, M
Becoming a teacher
Using computer-videotape materials to assess students' observational skills
Collis, B; Van Gyn, G; O'Sullivan, M
The investigation of computer augmented training on selected managerial skills of physical education students
O'Sullivan, M; Collis, B; Van Gyn, G
In Trends and development in physical education
A descriptive analytic study of student teacher effectiveness and student behavior in secondary school physical education.
O'Sullivan, M
Teaching Effectiveness Research
Review of classroom management and teacher effectiveness as it relates specifically to elementary physical education
O'Sullivan, M
Physical Education in early childhood.
Conference Publication
ECCS
O'Sullivan, Mary
ICPHER-SD Regional Oceania Congress
O'Sullivan, M.
British Educational Research Association
Tannehill, D., O'Sullivan, M., & NiChroinin, D.
World Congress for Physical Education in Higher Education
Wallhead, T. & O'Sullivan
British Educational Research Conference
Tannehill, D. & O'Sullivan, M.
Irish Primary Teachers Physical Education Association.
O¿Sullivan, M (2005)
ENSEE International Conference
O'Sullivan, M.
PE SIG British Educational Research Association Conference
O'Sullivan, M.
ARIS Conference
O'Sullivan, Mary
National Coaching and Training Centre National Forum
O¿Sullivan, M
National Coaching and Training Centre National Forum
O'Sullivan, M., Killian Fisher, Donal O'Gorman
AIESEP International conference
Collier, C., O'Sullivan, M., Enright, E. and McMahon, E.
National Coaching and Training Centre National Forum
O'Sullivan, M
Edited Book
Young People's Voices in Physical Education and Youth Sport
Handbook of Physical Education
Other Publication
New directions, new questions: relationships between curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment in physical education
O'Sullivan, M
Sport Education And Society
DOI: 10.1080/13573322.2012.719868
Special Issue: Physical Education
O'Sullivan, M,Oslin, JL
Irish Educational Studies
DOI: 10.1080/03323315.2012.710060
Special Issue: Moving People, Moving Forward: Keynote Addresses from the AIESEP 2011 International Conference Introduction
MacPhail, A,O'Sullivan, M
Quest
DOI: 10.1080/00336297.2012.669315
CPD Community of Practice: Impact on Assessment Practices of Teachers
Deglau, DA; O'Sullivan, MM
Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport
Negotiating individual and district level change: A sociocultural journey into teachers' professional development
Deglau, D; O'Sullivan, M
Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport
Performance principle training for skill analysis
Matanin, M; Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M
Developing interactive videodisc materials for skill analysis training
Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M; Stroot, S; Stewart, M
Self instructing Module for Skill Analysis of Long Jump
Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M; Stroot, S; Chou, C
Peer Reviewed Journal
'The Trouble with Normal': (re)imagining sexuality education with young people
Coll, L,O'Sullivan, M,Enright, E
Sex Education-Sexuality Society And Learning
DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2017.1410699
Pedagogical principles of learning to teach meaningful physical education
Ni Chroinin, D,Fletcher, T,O'Sullivan, M
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
DOI: 10.1080/17408989.2017.1342789
"I Know When I Did It, I Got Frustrated": The Influence of 'Living' a Curriculum for Preservice Teachers
Dillon, M,Tannehill, D,O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
DOI: 10.1123/jtpe.2016-0157
Elementary Classroom Teachers' Beliefs Across Time: Learning to Teach Physical Education
Ni Chroinin, D,O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
DOI: 10.1123/jtpe.2015-0030
A Layered Approach to Critical Friendship as a Means to Support Pedagogical Innovation in Pre-service Teacher Education
Fletcher, T,Chroinin, DN,O'Sullivan, M
Studying Teacher Education
DOI: 10.1080/17425964.2016.1228049
Signature pedagogies in support of teachers' professional learning
Parker, M,Patton, K,O'Sullivan, M
Irish Educational Studies
DOI: 10.1080/03323315.2016.1141700
Using self-study to explore the processes of pedagogical innovation in physical education teacher education,
Déirdre Ní Chróinín, Tim Fletcher & Mary O'Sullivan
Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education
DOI: 10.1080/18377122.2015.1092724
Education: a space to survive and thrive?
O'Sullivan, M,Penney, D
Sport Education And Society
DOI: 10.1080/13573322.2013.802686
From initial teacher education through induction and beyond: a longitudinal study of primary teacher beliefs
Chroinin, DN,O'Sullivan, M
Irish Educational Studies
DOI: 10.1080/03323315.2014.984387
Teacher educators' perspectives on the implementation of beginning teacher standards for physical education in Ireland: developing and regulating the profession?
Chroinin, DN,O'Sullivan, M,Tormey, R
European Journal Of Teacher Education
DOI: 10.1080/02619768.2012.696191
"Now, I'm Magazine Detective the Whole Time": Listening and Responding to Young People's Complex Experiences of Popular Physical Culture
Enright, E,O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Physical education student teachers' perceptions of applying knowledge and skills about emotional understanding studied in PETE in a one-year teaching practicum
Klemola, U,Heikinaro-Johansson, P,O'Sullivan, M
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
DOI: 10.1080/17408989.2011.630999
New Directions, new questions,: Relationships between curriculum, pedagogy and assessment in physical education
O'Sullivan, M
Sport Education And Society
DOI: 10.1080/13573322.2012.719868
Teacher educators' perspectives on the implementation of beginning teacher standards for Physical Education in Ireland: Developing and regulating the profession
Ní Chróinín, D , O'Sullivan,M, & Tormey, R.
European Journal Of Teacher Education
DOI: 10.1080/02619768.2012.696191
Editorial for Special Issue
O'Sullivan, M; Oslin, J
Irish Educational Studies
DOI: 10.1080/03323315.2012.710060
Rhetoric and reality: the role of the teacher in shaping a school sport programme
Bowles, R,O'Sullivan, M
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
DOI: 10.1080/17408989.2012.690383
'Producing different knowledge and producing knowledge differently': rethinking physical education research and practice through participatory visual methods
Enright, E; O'Sullivan, M
Sport Education And Society
DOI: 10.1080/13573322.2011.607911
Physical Education "in All Sorts of Corners": Student Activists Transgressing Formal Physical Education Curricular Boundaries
Enright, E,O'Sullivan, M
Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport
DOI: 10.5641/027013612800745293
Beginning teacher standards for physical education: Promoting a democratic ideal?
Chroinin, DN; Tormey, R; O' Sullivan, M
Teaching And Teacher Education
DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2011.08.001
'Can I do it in my pyjamas?' Negotiating a physical education curriculum with teenage girls
Enright, E; O'Sullivan, M
European Physical Education Review
DOI: 10.1177/1356336X10382967
The educational perceptions and experiences of Irish pre-service and beginning physical education teachers
O'Sullivan, M; MacPhail, A; Tannehill, D
Irish Educational Studies
A didactic analysis of content development during the peer teaching tasks of a Sport Education season
O'Sullivan, M; Wallhead, T
Physical Education And Sports Pedagogy
Research quality in physical education and sport pedagogy
O'Sullivan, M
Sport Education And Society
DOI: 10.1080/13573320701463962
Research on content in physical education: theoretical perspectives and current debates
O'Sullivan, M; Amade-Escot, C
Physical Education And Sports Pedagogy
Enhancers and inhibitors of teacher change among secondary physical educators
Bechtel, PA; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Chapter 3: The effects of a long-term professional development program on the beliefs and practices of experienced teachers
Deglau, D; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Principles for Professional Development
O'Sullivan, M; Deglau, D
J. Teaching In Physical Education
Chapter 2: Effective professional development - What we now know
Bechtel, PA; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Professional Dialogue as Professional Development
Deglau, D; Ward, P; O'Sullivan, M; Bush, K
J. Teaching In Physical Education
Chapter 1: The contexts of urban settings
Ward, P; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
The Effects of a Long-Term Professional Development Program on the Beliefs and Practices of Experienced Teachers
Deglau, D; O'Sullivan, M
J. Teaching In Physical Education
Professional Lives of Irish Physical Education Teachers: Stories of Resilience, Respect and Resignation
O'Sullivan, M
Physical Education And Sports Pedagogy
Chapter 7: Principles of professional development
O'Sullivan, M; Deglau, D
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Effective Professional Development; What do we Know?
Bechel, P; O'Sullivan, M
J. Teaching In Physical Education
Chapter 5: Professional dialogue as professional development
Deglau, D; Ward, P; O'Sullivan, M; Bush, K
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
The Contexts of Urban Settings
Ward, P; O'Sullivan, M
J. Teaching In Physical Education
Sport Education: Physical Education for the New Millennium?
Wallhead, T; O'Sullivan, M
Physical Education And Sports Pedagogy
High School General Physical Education Teachers' Behaviors and Beliefs Associated with Inclusion
Hodge, S; Ammah, J; Casebolt, K; LaMaster, K; O'Sullivan, M
Sport, Education And Society
Possibilities and Pitfalls of a Public Health Agenda
O'Sullivan, M
J. Teaching In Physical Education
Theories of Action and Theories in Use.
Tsangaridou, N; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Incidences of Student Support for and Resistance to a Curricular Innovation in High School Physical Education.
Kinchin, G; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Darwinism in the Gym
Pope, C; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Good data are all you have: The legacy of a PETE scholar
O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Making a Difference for Urban Youths
Knop, N; Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Physical Education, Recreation And Dance
Making a Difference for Urban Youth
Knop, N; Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Physical Education, Recreation And Dance
Socialization of Prospective Physical Education Teachers: The Story of New Blood.
O'Bryant, C; O'Sullivan, M; Raudensky, J
Sport, Education And Society
Teacher certification testing in physical education
Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
A school-university collaborative journey towards relevance and meaning in an urban high school physical education program
O'Sullivan, M; Tannehill, D; Knop, N; Pope, C; Henninger, M
Quest
A School University Collaborative Journey toward Relevance and Meaning in and Urban high School Physical Education Program.
O'Sullivan, M; Tannehill, D; Knop, N; Pope, C; Henninger, M
Quest
Making physical education meaningful for high school students.
Kinchin, G; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Physical Education, Recreation And Dance
Innovation in Two Alternative Elementary School Programs: Why It Works.
Dyson, B; O'Sullivan, M
Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport
Similarities and differences in pedagogy and content: 5 years later.
Ward, P; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Culture, Pedagogy, and Teacher Change in an Urban High School: How would you like your Eggs Done?
Pope, C; O'Sullivan, M
Sport, Education And Society
The many faces of integrated physical education.
Placek, J; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Physical Education, Recreation And Dance
The role of reflection in shaping physical Education Teachers' educational values and practices.
Tsangaridou, N; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Case method in physical education higher education: A pedagogy of change?
Collier, C; O'Sullivan, M
Quest
Students' and parents' attitudes.
Tannehill, D; Romar, J; England, K; O'Sullivan, M; Rosenberg, D
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Rules, routines, and expectations of 11 high school physical education teachers.
O'Sullivan, M; Dyson, B
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Breaking out: Co-dependency of high school physical education.
O'Sullivan, M; Siedentop, D; Tannehill, D
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Research on expertise: Guideposts for expertise and teacher education in physical education.
O'Sullivan, M; Doutis, P
Quest
Contextual hoops and hurdles: Workplace conditions in secondary physical education.
Stroot, S; Collier, C; O'Sullivan, M; England, K
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
High school physical education teachers and their world of work: Scope of the project.
O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Attitudes toward physical education: Their impact on how physical education teachers make sense of their work
Tannehill, D; Romar, J; O'Sullivan, M; England, K; Rosenberg, D
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Using Pedagogical Reflective Strategies to enhance reflection among pre-service physical education teachers
Tsangaridou, N; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Toward collegiality: Competing viewpoints among teacher educators.
O'Sullivan, M; Siedentop, D; Locke, L
Quest
What undergraduate physical education majors learn during a field experience
O'Sullivan, M; Tsangaridou, N
Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport
Skill analysis using interactive videodisc technology.
Stroot, S; Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M
Computers In Schools
Teacher certification testing in physical education.
Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Physical education teacher education in the United States
O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Physical Education, Recreation And Dance
Teacher testing and implications for physical education
O'Sullivan, M; Tannehill, D
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Teacher certification testing in physical education
Tannehill,D.;O'Sullivan,M.
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Failing gym is like failing lunch or recess: Two beginning teachers' struggle for legitimacy
O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
The fifth dimension: Extending the physical education program
Jones, D; Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M; Stroot, S
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Elementary physical education specialists: A commitment to student learning
O'Sullivan, M; Stroot, S; Tannehill, D
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Interactive video technology in teacher education
O'Sullivan,M.;Stroot,S;Tannehill,D;Chou,C
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Fifth Dimension
Jones, D; Tannehill, D; O'Sullivan, M; Stroot, S
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Effects of intervention on differential treatment of boys and girls in elementary physical education lessons.
Dunbar, R; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education
Modifying ALT-PE for game play contexts and other reflections.
Parker, M; O'Sullivan, M
Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education