Embedded Files
Dr Tim Herrick
Senior University Teacher
We're thrilled to announce that Tim is the proud recipient of this 2023 FindaMasters 'Masters Teacher of the Year' award following nomination by two students in The School of Education.
The Masters' Teacher award celebrates an individual who creates an exceptionally positive and encouraging learning environment, gives their students high-quality constructive feedback, is passionate about their subject and always puts students first.
To be shortlisted for this competitive award is a testament to the dedication that Tim demonstrates and the tremendous support he offers to our students.
Tim was also nominated for the Education Awards and expressed his gratitude: ''I was delighted to receive nominations for the Education Awards from colleagues, students, and alumni. The five nominations were in four different categories, which I think represents the breadth of my work. My thanks go to all involved.''
Dr Tianyi Wang
Lecturer in Education
I joined the School of Education in September 2022. Reflecting on my first two years, I am profoundly grateful for the supportive and friendly atmosphere fostered by my colleagues. From the first day of my work here, I have felt warmly welcomed and encouraged. Working with colleagues here across a wide range of teaching and research activities is immensely rewarding. I am especially impressed by, and thankful for, the guidance and support I have received from Professor Jennifer Rowsell, Professor Elizabeth Wood, Dr Sabine Little and Dr Louise Kay during my preparation for the ESRC New Investigator Grant application. With their invaluable help, I am developing new research interests in AI-assisted academic writing.
One of the highlights of my life here has been the opportunity to co-organise early-career researcher symposiums with Dr. Louise Kay. These symposiums focus on fostering an inclusive and vibrant environment for communication with postgraduate researcher students. I really value the opportunities to learn from our wonderful postgraduate research community about innovative research topics and methodology.
Moreover, attending the Sheffield Literacies and Language Conference over the past two years has been both enriching and inspiring. The thought-provoking talks and vibrant discussions have expanded my research horizons and enabled me to establish new networks within the academic community.
Overall, my experience at the School of Education has been deeply fulfilling, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this dynamic and supportive academic environment.
We are excited to announce that Megan, our Senior Student Experience Officer, has been in the education team for a year. Please see the following message from Meg shares her insights and experiences since joining Education:
‘’I started as the Senior Student Experience Officer for Student Support in the School at the start of last academic year alongside the new cohort! It’s been great getting to know the department, team and students from the start of the cycle.
The team and structure of the School are bigger than my previous experience, so it’s been a joy to be involved with something so dynamic alongside a fantastic and friendly team. Clear thought has been put into the Professional Services Team in creating structures of support for our students.
I’ve enjoyed working with students and staff across the School and University to improve systems relating to support and engagement. I’ve also had the joy of getting to know many people across student groups, like our Academic Reps, and staff within the School and University services - who are all doing key work!
Coming to the end of my first year, my focus is on departmental efforts to strengthen induction for new students based on student feedback, increasing awareness of Student Voice (including the recruitment of a student intern content creator), and ensuring equitable access to support services.
I’m looking forward to continuing working with such enthusiastic and supportive colleagues, who have a genuine passion for improving student experience.‘’
Megan Ayres
Megan Ayres
Senior Student Experience Officer
We are pleased to share that Sue has been working at the School of Education since 1976. As of this August, she has dedicated 48 years to our institution. Please see below for Sue's reflections on her work experiences over the years:
‘’After leaving school and completing a year’s secretarial course at Stannington College, I began my career in August 1976 in what was then the Division of Education. My initial role was focused on administrative tasks for teacher training, which led to a close working relationship with the academic staff. My interview test was a typing test using a manual typewriter, which is quite a nostalgic memory now!
Over the years, my role and responsibilities grew, and my position was progressively upgraded through various grades. The rapid and regular changes in the field of teacher training, coupled with my willingness to take on additional tasks, significantly impacted my career progression. I am fortunate to have had line managers who recognized my contributions and successfully applied for the regrading of my post at each stage.
Some of my key responsibilities included overseeing budgets and spending for various financial incentives introduced by the Department for Education (DfE), managing admissions for teacher training, organizing financial support for partnership schools, maintaining databases for HESA returns, and handling criminal record checks and bursaries for students. I also took on line management responsibilities.
I did take a break for maternity leave in 1983, which was almost unheard of for Professional Services staff at that time, and I returned part-time, gradually increasing to full-time over the years.
One of the most interesting periods in my career was working as the secretary to Professor Harry Armitage, an amazing character who used to send me postcards from all over the world when he traveled for lectures. I still have those postcards today.
Throughout my years here, I have made many friends and colleagues whose relationships I value greatly. I wish anyone reading this much success in their career.‘’
Susan Cramp
Susan Cramp
Senior Student Experience Officer
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