Initial Teacher Education

Meet the team

The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) team at South Devon University Centre consists of highly experienced practitioners in the field. They bring years of teaching experience across a range of education and training sectors – further education, higher education, secondary schools, middle schools, primary schools, private training providers, private schools, public schools, multi-academy trusts. With an integral focus on evidenced-informed practice in our curriculum we are dedicated to maintaining currency in our own practice through engagement with a range of research and scholarly activity. This will ensure our trainees receive current, relevant and practical support that will guide their practice and professional development.

Leigh Bower PGCE, BSc (Hons)

Main areas of teaching

Coaching and mentoring

Bio

Prior to joining South Devon College I was a primary school teacher for 25 years. During this time, I was a school-based mentor for trainee teachers, working alongside Plymouth University, supporting trainee and newly qualified teachers. Currently, I support the mentors who are working with the trainee teachers studying within teacher training. I am course manager for the Level 4 learning and skills mentor apprenticeship and co deliver on the level 5 coaching professional for those working within an educational establishment.

Research and scholarly activity

I have completed the level 5 ILM coaching and mentoring certificate and the level 5 coaching professional apprenticeship. I am currently working towards a level 7 in coaching and mentoring for educational practitioners. My main area of focus for this research has been around the implementation of an effective mentoring programme for trainee teachers within a further education setting.

Kath Burrows MA Ed, FHEA, PGCE, BA (Hons)

Main areas of teaching

Teacher training
I am the course manager for and lecturer on the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, Level Professional Coach Apprenticeship and the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.

Bio

I have been teaching for 29 years, teaching philosophy and ethics, religious education, health and social care and extended projects. I have been involved with teacher training for over 20 years, supporting NQTs and PGCE students on placements whilst working in both secondary and further education. I have also been a tutor for the University of Exeter, assessing trainee teachers on placements across a number of schools in the South West. I have lucky enough to have been working at South Devon College as part of the teacher training team for the last 5 years.

Research and scholarly activity

I achieved my masters in 2020. My research analysed how effective the coaching methods were in upskilling FE practitioners in using evidence informed teaching strategies. The results of my research influenced the college’s decision to implement the use of Instructional Coaching to upskill teaching staff. I also undertook research in how group coaching could support the teachers with behaviour management.

Emma Corin (FHEA)

Main areas of teaching

Teacher Training
Quality Assurance
Assessment Practice

Bio

I have been working in education for over 20 years and have taught across multiple levels of FE and HE. I have cross college roles supporting the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. I am passionate about high quality standards in education and training and transfer this into my teaching role supporting trainee teachers.

Research and scholarly activity

I achieved my Fellowship status with the Higher Education Academy in 2019.

My research interests are based within evidence informed practice and quality strategies.

Paul Hooper FHEA, PGCE, BSc (Hons), HND

Main areas of teaching

Teacher Education
Sports Therapy
Sports Injury Management
Health Psychology and Sociology of Sport

Bio

I am a lecturer on South Devon College’s Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provision, which I manage alongside my other role as a cross college Quality, Teaching and Learning Coach (QTLC). Prior to joining the ITE team, I spent 15 years teaching on several Further Education and Higher Education courses, including the BSc (Hons) Coaching (Sports Performance and Development) and FdSc in Sport and Exercise Science. My passion lies in supporting new and aspiring teachers to become highly skilled, effective practitioners who incorporate evidence-informed approaches within their day-to-day practice.

Dr Katy Hensby PFHEA, EdD, MA.Ed, PGCE

Main areas of teaching

Education
Teacher Training
Outdoor and Adventure Education
Social Science

Bio

I am an educator in the FE and HE sectors with a research focus in Outdoor and Adventure Education, Sports and Education. I have experience in teaching in a wide range of school, college and HE settings. I have particular interest in research in the social sciences and the use of theory to support analysis of social phenomena, as well as using this to support my own delivery. I am passionate about supporting those on their journey to becoming a teacher and those already qualified and who want to improve their practice.

Research and scholarly activity

Published research – The effectiveness of post-16 pathways for gaining employment associated with undergraduate degree study

BTEC Diploma in Education and Training

Pearson Certificate in Education and Training

Research Showcase

Katy studied why HE programmes in the Outdoor and Adventure Education (OAE) field exist? Her research sets out to examine the influence that OAE HE study can have on practitioners in the industry.