I am a Senior Lecturer in primary English at St Mary’s University in Twickenham. Prior to this, I taught in primary schools across Surrey, Kingston and Merton for twenty years. I have wide-ranging leadership experience and led English across the primary age range. I am currently a doctoral student at St Mary’s and my research focuses on identity and representation in children’s literature. 

I am passionate about teaching English, particularly how English can support children with the explorations of their identity and can empower them to tackle issues of social justice. I love being part of the UKLA community; the sharing of ideas along with the supportive, friendly nature of both the conferences and SIGs help to encourage and develop the teaching of English in innovative ways. I co-run an Open University/United Kingdom Literacy Association Teachers Reading Group where I am lucky enough to pursue my reading for pleasure passion and share my love of books.