Director of Education Research and Enquiry elected as Teacher Education Advancement Network President

A Director of Education Research and Enquiry from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has been elected as President for the Teacher Education Advancement Network (TEAN).

Elaine Sharpling from UWTSD’S Athrofa will take on the role to promote a professional learning community for teacher educators across the UK and beyond. She was nominated by members of the TEAN community, after being a member of its editorial board.

Elaine said: “I am pleased to have a new challenge – as a teacher educator I am an advocate of lifelong learning, and these opportunities encourage us to have a go at something different. And, of course, I am excited to represent Wales and UWTSD.”

Elaine was recently appointed to a new role as Director of Education Research and Enquiry at the University. Being appointed as the TEAN President will also support the direction of the University in developing a stronger research culture that is very much linked to professional practice.

Elaine starts her role immediately and is looking forward to May when she welcomes delegates to the Network’s annual conference in Manchester to engage with the latest research in teacher education.

She added: “I am looking forward to hearing our two keynote speakers – Professor Hazel Bryan who will talk about how we can learn from our collective experiences of the past to face the future together, and from Sameena Choudry who will focus our thoughts on equitable education and closing that all too prevalent attainment gap.

“The uncertainty caused by the Initial Teacher Training market review in England has rightfully gained the attention of many teacher educators, but Wales has much to offer with its reform of Initial Teacher Education and the new Curriculum for Wales.

“I would like to develop the opportunities for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to learn from each other – and of course to offer a warm welcome to those from further afield.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dylan Jones said:

“It is such a pleasure to see Elaine take on this new responsibility. It reflects well on the excellent work that she has done in leading Teacher Education at UWTSD. It also recognises her crucial part in developing our vision for Yr Athrofa: the Centre for Education, as a key contributor to the enhancement of teacher education and professional development across Wales and beyond.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07449 998476