Carol Thompson, University of Bedfordshire
Dr Carol Thompson is a Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education and Co-ordinator for Post Compulsory Education programmes at the University of Bedfordshire. Carol worked in the FE sector for 23 years, starting her career in a small land-based college, moving to large city based colleges and finally to HE. She held a number of cross college roles before moving into teacher education and spent several years as a Curriculum Manager for this area. During this time she developed an interest in the ways in which professional agency influences teaching and learning. As a result she has carried out a number of research projects in this field, highlighting the challenges felt by professionals at all levels within organisations and the resulting impact this has had on classroom practice.
Finding the Glass Slipper – an exploration of the impact of leadership thinking
The focus of this Fellowship is to explore how leadership and management within FE impacts on teaching and learning, specifically on the autonomy teachers have to construct their work in creative ways. The project will investigate how professionals are constrained or empowered to develop methods which allow them to innovate rather than replicate in the classroom; ultimately creating an environment which inspires and challenges learners.
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