Biography
Beth joined Newman University as a lecturer on the primary ITE undergraduate and PGCE courses in September 2016. Prior to this Beth spent 21 years working in primary schools in Birmingham, including a wide variety of socioeconomic and cultural contexts, in both Local Authority controlled schools and within a Multi-Academy Trust. For 18 of these years she held leadership positions, including Literacy Lead, Deputy Head and Acting Head. In July 2006, Beth completed the National Professional Qualification in Headship. She is currently in the final year of completing her master’s at Newman University.
Key responsibilities in a school setting have included: leading teaching and learning, curriculum design, standards, performance management, CPD, strategic school improvement planning, safeguarding, inclusion, assessment, financial management and community links. These experiences have enabled Beth to share with students an in depth working knowledge a range of school policies and practices, particularly useful when supporting students on school placement.
Qualifications
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional and Academic Learning in Education (Newman University, 2019)
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Newman University, 2018)
National Professional Qualification in Headship (NCTL, 2006)
B. Ed (Hons) (Birmingham University 1994)
Profile
Administrative Responsibilities
Beth is a trained Research Ethics Link Tutor and TLA Verifier for the University.
Teaching
Beth teaches on the English modules across all programmes and the Early Years master’s module with PGCE students. Seminars include sharing exciting and innovative methods to motivate pupils, including adaptive provision for pupils with specific learning needs, to ensure all can reach their potential. Beth combines theory and practice to facilitate students in developing their teacher identity and strongly believes that challenging fixed mind sets has a significant impact on creating lifelong learners.
Research Interests
For her master’s dissertation, Beth is researching the impact of environmental factors on pedagogy and engagement in Higher Education settings to improve outcomes for students.
Other Activities
Membership of Professional Organisations
Beth is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.