Research Fellow, Lecturer In Education And Teacher
Canterbury
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher of Physics
Herne Bay High School
9 2023 - 02.2024
I am responsible for teaching mixed-ability children from KS3-KS4 (year 7-year 11)
I am preparing students for their GCSEs and A levels and promoting a passion and love for science
I am responsible for ATL, differentiation, lesson planning, lesson development, marking and assessments
Though Physics and maths are my specialism I am also teaching biology and chemistry at KS3
Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learners, ensuring each student''s unique needs were met.
Assisted struggling students through after-school tutoring sessions, resulting in improved academic performance and mastery of course material.
Encouraged critical thinking skills by designing project-based assignments that challenged students to apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Evaluated student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to maximize learning outcomes.
Managed course grade book and schedule of activities to direct students' learning progress.
Contributed to the development of school-wide science initiatives, enhancing the overall quality of STEM education at the institution.
Tested students on knowledge of physics and retention of class lessons.
Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-world examples into lectures.
Disabilities Executive Officer
UCU CCCU
04.2021 - 08.2023
I was nominated and elected as Disabilities Executive Officer for the CCCU UCU branch
In this role it was my responsibility and privilege to support members of staff with disabilities to ensure that they were treated fairly, equitably, and respectfully, and to guarantee that the university adheres to their equality and diversity policies in dealing with staff, with disabilities
I have successfully represented members of staff in their disputes with the University.
Sessional Lecturer in Primary and Secondary Education
Canterbury Christ Church University
05.2020 - 08.2023
Postgraduate lecturer on research methodologies and best practices in teaching
I have been a lead tutor on primary and secondary BA modules as well as PGCE courses and have successfully supervised 17 Postgraduate students in education
I taught several Primary and Secondary BA and PGCE courses
I developed and successfully delivered the curriculum and assessment criteria for EdTech-Evolution which is part of the Research and Enquiry in Education programme (REE) available to PGCE (Secondary) students
I also taught Curriculum and Pedagogy—Religious Education PGCE (primary), Schools Past
Present and Future PGCE (7-14), Social Justice (BA Ed primary), Science, Curriculum and Pedagogy (School’s Direct)
And I supervised teachers who were doing their PhD in the school classroom.
Led seminars and workshops to facilitate student learning and engagement and increase memory retention.
Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
Researcher Associate
The University of Kent
06.2022 - 03.2023
The project was funded by the Department for Education to find better methods for assessing EYFSP students with autism
My role included project management and the supervision of six Research Assistants
Responsible for inputting data, data analysis, 1-2-1 interviewing, vignettes, focus groups, teacher training, team leading, SRS and SCQ scoring, organising ADI (autism diagnosis interviews) and ADOS (autism diagnosis observations) and directly liaising with schools, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.
Synthesized data and wrote detailed reports to present research findings to stakeholders.
Utilized statistical packages to analyze data and create visualizations.
Worked as member of integrated project team in highly collaborative work environment.
Assisted in development of new methods for studying effects of climate change on biodiversity.
Researcher Fellow
07.2019 - 03.2023
Co-lead and researcher on the following projects: Smarter Search Engine, New Generation Teachers, Inspiring Minds, Permeable Walls
Other responsibilities include implementing effective and successful strategies when it comes to project delivery; effective distribution of resources and workshops on the Science and Religious Education curriculum and improving upon the existing Epistemic Insight pedagogy
I have also led, and I am leading, on the development and design of teacher, student and ITE teaching surveys
I am responsible for the effective communication between team members, stakeholders, and partner universities.
Research Assistant—Augmented Reality (Ed Tech)
De Montfort University
12.2020 - 08.2021
I was responsible for mapping the use of AR tech in Higher Education
I co-led the investigation into the disadvantages and advantages of Augmented and Virtual Reality in teaching, placing great emphasis on staff and student inclusivity and accessibility
I did this analysis through designing and disseminating, surveys to academic staff, designing interview questions and interviewing staff
This enabled my team and I to successfully create workshops and CPD sessions for staff, highlighting our findings
These CPD workshops of 20+ academic staff ran for two weeks at the end of April 2020 to the start of May 2020
I successfully demonstrated the benefits of AR tech in HE and produced a report on our findings, and a literature review, seeing the successful delivery of project aims and outcomes.
Project Coordinator/Research Assistant
01.2019 - 05.2020
My responsibilities included the safekeeping of sensitive and confidential participant data and complying with GDPR guidelines
I also successfully oversaw the Ethical regulations of the Epistemic Insight teams’ projects
I advised on modern scholarships to inform our work on curriculum development in science and the humanities
I was responsible for maintaining the email addresses of partner schools, and stakeholders
Furthermore, I successfully organised the LASAR (Learning About Science and Religion) 2020 international Epistemic Insight, conferences
I was key in the development of workshops for primary and secondary school students in history, science, and religious studies
My other administration duties consisted of managing diaries and schedules
Liaising with stakeholders on behalf of the project team and the PI, Berry Billingsley and creating effective dialogues between prospective partners, including consortium members.
Specialist: Teacher of Humanities
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
06.2018 - 05.2019
I taught Philosophy, Ethics, RE and History for KS3-KS5
I am familiar with and have had professional experience with both AQA and OCR examining boards
As well as teaching, I championed and supported LGBT+ students by overseeing the student LGBT+ society with a colleague and was responsible for organising a visit from a Stonewall role model
Due to the championing of LGBT+ student rights, by my colleague and me, our Stonewall Bronze award was renewed
I also co-led a school-wide awareness presentation on sex and gender for students aged 14-18.
Teacher of Science and Maths
Ursuline College
02.2018 - 07.2018
This was my second and final placement and here I taught KS3-KS5 in Science and Physics
I prepared A level students for their exams as well as younger mixed-ability students for their GSCE
I was also responsible for teaching, marking, formative and summative assessments, lesson planning and delivery.
Teacher of Science and Maths
Spires Academy
10.2017 - 01.2018
This was a continuation of my first placement as I had to take a hiatus from teaching the previous years due to the birth of my son
I was responsible for teaching mixed-ability children from KS3-KS4
I was taught many wonderful pedagogical techniques by my mentor, and I was also responsible for lesson planning, lesson development, marking and assessments
I also learned a great deal about behaviour management.
Teacher of Science
St Edmund’s Catholic School
10.2016 - 12.2016
I started my first placement here in 2016 but due to pregnancy, I had to leave the school early and focus primary on my university work (as it was easier for me at the time to do this than a placement whilst pregnant)
It was suggested by CU that I complete my placements when I returned from maternity leave
While teaching here I learned a great deal about behaviour and classroom management as well as how to adapt lessons to SEN students
I was responsible for teaching KS3-KS4 science and also wrote a paper on high-achieving female Roma students based on my experiences here.
Senior Education Support Assistant
University of Kent
10.2009 - 05.2016
My core responsibility was supporting disabled students in Physics, Mathematics and Computing
I also supported and guided neurodivergent students through the complexities of academic organisation and assisted them in implementing effective learning strategies
Liaised between staff and students, assisting students who had difficulties communicating with staff, to ensure that they were receiving the appropriate care and adjustments
I managed several different projects, including organizing group activities for students with Autism, and co-created peer support groups for Autistic students.
Assistant Lecturer
University of Kent
10.2009 - 05.2016
I taught 2nd and 3rd year Theology and Religious Studies undergraduate students the following modules: Sex and Religion, Gods of the Desert, Science and Religion
I planned, co-developed and successfully delivered the curriculum and assessment criteria for Gods of the Desert
I encouraged and nurtured a multidisciplinary approach to teaching in Science and Religion, collaborating with colleagues in the history of science, and physics departments
This collaborative work formed the basis for my current work in the creation of multidisciplinary teaching strategies in Higher Education
Additional responsibilities included marking exams and essays, planning, and delivering content, effectively supervising over 12 students, and promoting student wellbeing.
Education
PhD Theology and Religious Studies—Sociology of Religion in Popular Culture -
University of Kent
PGCE Physics with Maths (Distinction) - undefined
Canterbury Christ Church University
PGDip Medieval and Tudor Studies - undefined
University of Kent
BA History (2:1) - undefined
University of Kent
Associate degree—Biology, Mathematics and Space Science - undefined
Penn State University
Associate Member of the IoP - undefined
AFHEA - undefined
PGCAP (Canterbury Christ Church University, PT) - undefined
QTS Department of Education - undefined
PGCE Physics with Maths (Canterbury Christ Church University, PT) - undefined
Skills
Adaptability
Work Email
ds251@kent.ac.uk
Personal Email
jenahra1@gmail.com
Expertise Summary
I have teaching expertise in Primary, Secondary and HE Education, and I have led as well as co-led projects, in the UK, related to education researchspecifically curricula development and its implementation. I have also worked on several projects related to autism in education and underrepresented young people. Moreover, I spent over 12 years working as an Education Support Assistant and Senior Educational Support Assistant where I supported Students with visible and invisible disabilities. In addition, I was elected as disability exec for Canterbury Christ Church University in April 2021 and remained in this role until leaving the University in August 2023.
Publications
Management actions to address the climate emergency: Motivations and barriers for SMEs and other societal micro/meso level groups., The International Journal of Management Education, Forthcoming July 2023
Making of Deity, Theology, Religion, and Dungeons & Dragons, Forthcoming 2024
EI Digest Issue 5, Canterbury Christ Church University, Sept 2022
EI Digest issue 4, Canterbury Christ Church University, June 2022
What initial processes are needed to encourage ITE students to become competent, research engaged practitioners?, EI Digest Issue 4, Canterbury Christ Church University, June 2022
EI Digest issue 3, Canterbury Christ Church University, Sept 2021
EI Digest issue 2, Canterbury Christ Church University, June 2021
The Routledge Companion to Cyberpunk Culture. Foundations: the international review of science fiction., Book review