About

Associate Lecturer for the Institute of Education.

Teaching responsibilities

I currently teach on the iPGCE.

I have previously supported on the BEd programme with Primary Science and coaching students in preparation for the Early Career Teacher Framework.

Professional interests

In addition to my work at Derby University, I am also a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at the University Of Wolverhampton. This role includes teaching across all routes in Primary Education, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and I specialise in primary Science. I am also a University Moderating Tutor for undergraduate and postgraduate students whilst they are on placement. 

I am the Inclusivity Lead for the School of Education at Wolverhampton and I am passionate about anti-racism. I have led on anti-racism awareness for primary student teachers, secondary student teachers and facilitated staff development in this area.

Research interests

I am currently undertaking my Doctorate in Education with a focus on the B.A.M.E award gap and student perceptions of race, racism and academic and placement success. My chosen methodology for this research is Critical Race Theory.

Other research interests include anti-racism, whiteness, coaching for the professional development of teachers and student teachers and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Qualifications

• BEd (Hons) Primary Education (1992) University of Derby
• PG Cert in Higher Education and Professional Practice (2014) University of Wolverhampton
• MA in Education Management (2014) Nottingham Trent University

Recent conferences

• McConnell, S. & Smith, M. (2021) Memoranda of Understanding: A gateway to inequality? Report presented at the Education Research Conference, University of Wolverhampton

Experience in industry

I have taught in primary schools for over 20 years. My teaching career started in London and then Nottingham City and Derby City. Throughout my teaching and management roles, I have focused on the development of the practices and teaching of science and this led to being awarded the status of an Advanced Skills Teacher (AST). I thoroughly enjoyed this role as I supported teachers who were either struggling in the classroom or strived to be outstanding. I also led on the primary science CPD for all science co-ordinators across Derby city. I have worked in higher education for over nine years. 

International experience

I lead on an annual visit to Cambridge International Schools in Punjab, India with primary education students on the BA and PGCE programmes, for the University of Wolverhampton. This visit involves professional discussions with the teachers sharing pedagogies and practices through teaching and observation. I have delivered CPD for their staff on teaching science and STEM within the primary age range. 

Additional interests and activities

Vice – Chair of Governors for a Derby City primary school (2015 – present day)

Recent publications

• McConnell, S. (2020) The rise of the anti-racist teacher. Primary First (29) pp. 36-39

Courses

• International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE) PG Cert (online)