Professor | Departament of Comparative Educaction and Education History | Spain
Dr. Esther Roca Campos is a professor at the University of Valencia in Spain, specializing in the areas of comparative education, history of education, and gender studies. Her work focuses on the intersection of education, gender violence prevention, and social inclusion. She is also a researcher and member of the Community of Research on Excellence for All (CREA). Her contributions have been influential in the fields of teacher training, gender equality, and the prevention of gender violence, especially in the context of education. Over the years, Dr. Roca has led numerous research initiatives, contributed to academic publications, and played a vital role in shaping educational policies. As a prominent figure in academic and social circles, she has actively engaged in shaping international dialogues and fostering collaborations that aim to address societal inequalities, particularly in relation to gender and disability.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Roca Campos has an extensive educational background, with qualifications in sociology and psychopedagogy. She earned her PhD in Sociology from the University of Barcelona in 2018, where she focused on exploring societal issues through an educational lens. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Licentiate in Psychopedagogy and her degree in Special Education at the University of Valencia in 2007 and 2003, respectively. These qualifications laid the foundation for her career in higher education and research, where she has since contributed to the development of educational frameworks that address inclusion, gender violence, and social equity in education.
Experience
Dr. Roca’s professional experience spans both academia and practical policy-making. In addition to her position as a professor at the University of Valencia since 2020, she has also been a collaborative teacher at various institutions, including the International University of Valencia and the Valencia Catholic University Saint Vincent Martyr. She previously served as the director of the Master’s Degree in Special Education Needs and Early Childhood Care. Furthermore, Dr. Roca has been an advisor to the Generalitat Valenciana for over seven years, where she has been instrumental in designing and implementing teacher training programs focused on gender inclusion and equality. Her active participation in various international conferences, such as the European Conference on Educational Research, and her role as the editor of the Multidisciplinary Journal of Educational Research, underline her active involvement in global academic communities.
Research Interests
Dr. Roca’s primary research interests lie in the areas of preventive socialization of gender violence, inclusive education, and the impact of educational practices on marginalized communities. Her recent work has particularly focused on the dialogical training of teachers and promoting gender equality in education for individuals with disabilities. She has been at the forefront of projects that address the intersection of education and social change, such as “Open Doors Actions Schools”, which focuses on preventing gender violence and child abuse, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Roca is also deeply involved in research projects that explore how educational environments can foster social cohesion and improve the employability of vulnerable populations, including the Roma community.
Awards
Dr. Roca has received recognition for her research and contribution to educational reforms. Her work has had a measurable impact on educational practices and policies, especially in the Valencian region. One of her significant achievements includes contributing to the development of the Strategic Plan for Social Cohesion in Spain. Her educational and social work has earned her invitations to serve as an expert in multiple forums, where she has influenced policy changes in the realm of educational coexistence and gender violence prevention. Dr. Roca’s commitment to social impact is also evident in her involvement with various international associations, such as AUCFEM, and her coordination of conferences and educational projects that promote gender equality and feminist ideologies.
Publications
Dr. Roca has published numerous articles in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the fields of education, gender studies, and social inclusion. Some of her notable publications include:
- Roca-Campos, E., Zubiri-Esnaola, H., León-Jiménez, S., Aubert, A. (2024). “Perceived Improvement of Literacy Skills of Students with and Without Special Educational Needs Through Dialogic Literary Gatherings.” Disabilities, 4(4).
- Roca-Campos, E., Fernández, P., Troya, M. B., Flecha, A. (2024). “The effect of successful educational actions in transition from primary to secondary school.” PloS One, 19(6).
- Grau Del Valle, C., García-Raga, L., Barrachima, M., & Roca-Campos, E. R. (2024). “Case study of the impact of the learning communities project on increasing the employability of the Roma population in situations of social inequality.” RISE, 13(2).
- Roca-Campos, E., & Flecha, R. (2024). “La reforma educativa actual en el contexto europeo.” Tirant Editorial.
- Munté-Pascual, A., Roca-Campos, E., Redondo-Sama, G., & Racionero-Plaza, S. (2024). “Grassroots solidarity in social work: Strengthening the welfare state beyond COVID-19 through social impact in the field of child abuse.” Post-Pandemic Welfare and Social Work, Routledge.
- Valls, R., Elboj, C., Serradell, O., Díez-Palomar, J., Aiello, E., Racionero, S., … & de Aguileta, A. L. (2022). “Promoting Admiration of Foucault Hiding his Defense of Rape and Pederasty.” International and Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1).
- Roca, E., Merodio, G., Gomez, A., & Rodriguez-Oramas, A. (2022). “Egalitarian Dialogue Enriches Both Social Impact and Research Methodologies.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21.
Conclusion
Dr. Esther Roca Campos’ work has had a profound impact on the intersection of education, gender equality, and social inclusion. Her research continues to shape educational practices that foster inclusive and equitable learning environments, particularly for vulnerable populations. Through her publications, conference presentations, and policy involvement, Dr. Roca has contributed significantly to advancing educational reforms that prioritize gender equality and the prevention of violence. Her academic career is a testament to her commitment to social change and her ability to influence both local and international educational landscapes. As she continues her research and advocacy, Dr. Roca remains a key figure in promoting evidence-based educational practices that can address the social challenges of the 21st century.