Trine Iren Jønland Højsgaard

I hold a PhD from Stockholm University, where my doctoral research examined how professional identity was transformed within nursing education at the Red Cross University College of Nursing during the period 1945–1977, with a particular focus on the academisation of nursing education in Sweden. Currently, I teach in both the Kindergarten Teacher Education programme and the Master’s programme in Special Needs Education at University of South-Eastern Norway. My academic interests include pedagogical perspectives related to gender, diversity, democratic Bildung, participation, resilience, supervision, and professional development. I supervise both bachelor’s and master’s students within these areas of educational research. As part of the Norwegian national initiative Kompetanseløftet, I lecture in schools and kindergartens on the relationship between physical activity and mental health, with a particular emphasis on play, joy of movement, and the significance of outdoor environments for children’s development and well-being. I have also contributed to podcasts and educational films addressing issues related to physical and psychological health. In addition, I serve as research leader for two ongoing research projects. One project, funded by the Regional Research Fund Vestfold and Telemark, explores inclusion in nature kindergartens, with particular attention to diversity and equality among children and staff. The second project explore the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in kindergartens, focusing on staff experiences and how AAC practices can support communication, participation, and inclusion for all children.