Gemma Louise Taylor

About

I am a senior lecturer in Initial Teacher Education, working across the teacher training programmes.

My core responsibility is to lead the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship programme.

The main elements of my role involve teaching lectures and workshops to undergraduate and postgraduate trainee teachers, visiting them on school placement and managing their tutorials. I am responsible for the marketing and recruitment to the Teacher Apprenticeship programme and support applicants in their enrolment and onboarding to the programme, right through to their progression to Early Career Teachers.

Prior to this, I was a primary education practitioner for six years working in Derby and Sheffield, specialising in Upper Key Stage 2.

Teaching responsibilities

I lead and teach on the Wider Curriculum modules for the undergraduate and postgraduate Initial Teacher Training programmes. This includes planning the content and structure of the modules which encompass the 11 foundation subjects of the primary National Curriculum. I direct colleagues who have their own specialisms across these subjects. I am the humanities specialist for students choosing this subject pathway.

I plan the course content for the Level 6 Postgraduate Teacher Apprentice and deliver the on the job element of this programme. I observe apprentices remotely and face to face for joint moderation with their workplace facilitators and arrange and attend their 12 weekly tripartite reviews.

Professional interests

I am keen to engage trainee teachers in learning beyond the classroom and thus plan and lead local field trips linked to the Wider Curriculum. Most recently we have visited Markeaton Park, Elvaston Castle, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Museum of making. These have been multi-purpose in exposing trainees to education for sustainable development and also working with local heritage and industry.

Research interests

My research has been on Staff and Student Perspectives of Personal Tutoring in Initial Teacher Education. I conducted a small-scale case study which formed the dissertation for my Masters in Education. This research was presented at the UK Advisory and Tutoring Conference 2018.

My other research interests include: the Emotional Impact of Peer Assessment, Teaching Primary Geography, Student Wellbeing, and the Role of British Values and SMSC in Education.

Membership of professional bodies

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Member of HTEN (History Teacher Educators Network)

Qualifications

BA Human Geography - University of Sheffield
PGCE Primary Education - University of Derby
PGcert Higher Education - University of Derby
MA Education - University of Derby

Recent conferences

I presented my research on Personal Tutoring at the UK Advisory and Tutoring Conference at the University of Derby, 2018.

Experience in industry

Classroom practitioner - Derby junior school: R.E., SMSC & Design Technology coordinator.

Classroom practitioner - Sheffield primary school: ICT coordinator.

Primary Humanities Network lead - established and ran for 2 years.

I am external moderator for the Access to Education programme at Nottingham College.

I am a committee member for Openwoodgate preschool.

International experience

I accompanied level 6 teacher education students on an Erasmus programme spending time in different educational settings in Holland. We explored different school philosophies such as Montessori, Stenier, Jena Plan and Dalton.