Welcome to the story of Coffee & Theory. This page introduces who I am, the mission behind the platform, and the core values that shape everything I create. Coffee & Theory is a space for teachers, educators, parents, coaches, and anyone curious about applying education theory to real-world learning. Whether you’re a teacher seeking to deepen your practice, a parent navigating development milestones or homeschooling, or an educational leader exploring research-based approaches—you’re in the right place. I believe that everyone deserves access to knowledge, and my goal is to support you in applying education theory to real-world learning so that it becomes practical, relevant, and inspiring. Always casual and something you can take in over coffee.
About me
Dr Will Zoppellini PhD, MSc, BA.
With over 22 years of experience in education, I’ve worked across a wide range of settings, from primary and secondary schools to special education, community programs and higher education, where I spent a decade as a Senior Lecturer. My passion is sharing knowledge and helping educators, parents, and students create meaningful learning experiences rooted in evidence-based practices.
I hold a PhD in Education, specialising in the application of psychological theory to educational practice. My research focuses on mindset theory, motivation, feedback, and learning processes. I’ve shared this work at international conferences and through talks, workshops, and keynote sessions aimed at making academic research accessible and practical for real-world application.
I collaborate internationally with research groups, and act as a coordinator for the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI), to advance educational understanding across borders.
Throughout my career, I’ve taught courses in pedagogy, educational psychology, and child development and mentored teachers, coaches, community leaders, and university students. I’ve worked with learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and supported children and adults with SEND needs, including autism, ADHD, and physical disabilities, adapting teaching to support individual growth.
I have also managed projects focused on children’s physical health and well-being, supporting the development of motor skills and physical literacy, and promoting healthy, active lifestyles as part of a well-rounded approach to learning.
I have always tried to bridge the gap between research and application, turning knowledge into tools that are practical, inclusive, and empowering. That led me to create Coffee & Theory, a space where complex ideas can be explored informally, with curiosity.
Beyond education, I’m an avid traveller, scuba diver, and photographer, experiences that fuel my creativity and expand my global perspective on how we learn and grow.
Mission Statement
I aim to motivate teachers, educators, and parents, to embrace lifelong learning with creativity and curiosity. I advocate for inclusive, equitable access to education that is exciting, challenging, and transformative.
Through practical tools, accessible content, and research-informed concepts, my goal is to spark critical thinking, inspire ideas, and empower individuals to improve learning experiences in real and meaningful ways.
By blending academic theory with hands-on experience, I help others gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a lasting impact in educational settings across classrooms, homes, communities, and beyond.