About

I am the Head of Discipline for Education, Childhood and Inclusion. I have responsibility for overseeing the leadership and management of the Institute of Education’s undergraduate programmes, which include: Child and Youth Studies, Early Childhood Studies, Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Teacher Status, Education Studies and Special Educational Needs and Disability.

Teaching responsibilities

I continue to undertake a number of roles across the Discipline of Education, Childhood and Inclusion including teaching sessions exploring professional practice, reflective practice and children and young people’s education. Other roles include Partnership Coordinator for BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies, supervising Independent Studies, Personal Academic Tutoring and organising International Visits.

Research interests

My MA Ed research explored undergraduate student perceptions of personal tutoring in order to ensure an effective experience. This interest has continued by recently taking part in the University of Derby’s task and finish group for the new Personal Academic Tutoring experience.

I have a keen interest in learning beyond the classroom and have undertaken research and evaluations of student trainee teacher engagement with heritage and outdoor educational experiences.

Membership of professional bodies

Senior Fellow - Higher Education Academy 

Qualifications

BA (Hons) History with English and Qualified Teacher Status [QTS], St. Martin’s College, University of Lancaster

MA Education, University of Derby

Recent conferences

Learning and Teaching Conference - University of Derby (Buxton Campus) - 2nd July 2018: 'Feeding back on Feedback: Student Choice'

Annual Conference for Teachers and Advisers - The Principal, Manchester - 5th February 2019: 'Preparing students for academic transition to Higher Education' 

Experience in industry

I started my career in education in 1997 as a newly qualified primary teacher and held a number of roles including subject coordinator, curriculum coordinator and Deputy Head before joining the University of Derby’s Initial Teacher Education Team in 2004. I continue to maintain links with schools through visiting students on placement and holding the role of Chair of Governor’s in a partnership Junior School.

In the media

University of Derby news blog: Early Years Workforce: Why new graduate competencies will mean children get the best start in life - Early years’ workforce: Why new graduate competencies will mean children get best start in life