About

As the Head of the Institute of Education, I lead a team of academic staff and managers in the field of Education. The Institute of Education offers a range of courses including foundation year programmes, undergraduate degrees, masters’ degrees, professional doctorates and PhDs. The Institute also has collaborative working arrangements with schools and colleges locally, nationally and internationally.

As a team, we are committed to quality, research-informed provision that encourages critical thinking and the application of knowledge and skills to real life working. I continue to teach a range of modules and supervise a number of doctoral students.

Drawing on both my past and present experiences as a qualified teacher, I aim to motivate the next generation of educators to strive for excellence in their chosen profession. 

Teaching responsibilities

I continue to teach a variety of modules across the Institute of Education, predominantly in the field of Initial Teacher Education. These include modules relating to research methods, professional practice, computing, diversity and learning beyond the classroom.

Research interests

My doctoral research explored stakeholder attitudes towards students, with dyslexia, studying on ITE programmes. My current research explores ITE student preparedness to address homophobic bullying in primary and secondary schools.

I also have a keen interest in gender issues and learning beyond the classroom.

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• UCET Management Forum Committee Member

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) Sociology, UCE
• PGCE, University of Derby
• MA Education, University of Derby (Distinction)
• Ed.D, University of Derby

Recent conferences

My most recent conference presentations have related to dyslexia and addressing LGBT+ issues in education.  Conferences where I have presented my research include the British Dyslexia Association International Conference (Telford), the National Association of Disability Practitioners International Conference (London), the TEAN conference (Birmingham) and the International Perspectives in Education International Conference (Buxton and Belgium). 

In the media

Online blogs

• Charles, S (2020) 'Online learning success requires leaders to manage expectations'. 
• Charles, S (2020) 'Stressed about structure when home schooling?' 
• Charles, S.(2020) 'Home schooling advice and guidance for parents'. 
• Charles, S. (2019) 'DfE's new teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy: Redemption for the Teaching Profession?'
• Charles, S. and A. Hardman (2018) 'Teaching a burnt out profession?' 
• Charles, S. and A. Hardman (2018) '10 reasons to get into teaching'. 
• Charles, S. and A. Hardman (2017) 'Teaching - a Mary Celeste Profession?'
• Charles, S. and A. Hardman (2017) 'Teacher retention rates; Quick fixes won't solve the problem'. 

Recent publications

Charles, S. (2019). 'Dyslexia Spells Trouble' in V. Chiou, O. Holz, N. Oruç & F. Shelton, F. (eds) International Insights: Equality in Education. Waxmann: Germany