What does your role entail? 

I am an English Subject Consultant working for the Harris Federation. My role involves working in two academies in the Federation teaching year 11, training staff in all their subject knowledge needs, and writing, marking and moderating assessments for English teachers across all our academies. But more specifically, relating to ITE, I plan for and coordinate the subject training that English trainees receive as part of their teacher training programme. I also look after them whilst they’re on the programme: arranging observations, answering queries they may have, and supporting them in their paper work!

What are your credentials/experience to your current position? 

I have led the English strand of the ITE programme for 3 years now, and this year have taken on the development of the ECT programme in my subject area too. Continuing to teach alongside writing and leading this programme ensures that the research and knowledge I share is impactful and relevant in the classroom today.

Prior to working for Harris, I worked for an inner-city Birmingham Multi Academy Trust. A large focus of mine was working with PGCE and other teacher training providers such as TeachFirst to provide coaching, mentoring and teaching for teachers in the early stages of their career.  

What is the highlight of your role? 

Diving into my subject and exploring new things about the texts we teach is the absolute highlight of my role. Working with early career teachers is a very close second; I love sharing my passion for English with other like-minded individuals and training staff in areas of our subject such as Shakespeare and poetry – and hearing trainees’ insights - really is a dream come true for me. Every year I so look forward to working with a new cohort of trainees who love English as much as me.