About
Research
Email: jessica.paul@stmarys.ac.uk
Biography
I joined St Mary’s in 2022 as a Primary Education Lecturer in Professional Studies and RE. I deliver modules across the Education Foundation Year, Undergraduate and Work-Based Routes. I also support Undergraduate students within roles such as personal tutor, research tutor and lead link tutor when students are on school placements.
In September 2024, I became the Education Foundation Year Course Lead. As well as teaching the students, I support their transition to Higher Education and help to prepare them for one of the BA Undergraduate degrees.
Prior to joining St Mary’s, I taught in a range of primary schools in the West London local authority of Ealing for 17 years and have experience teaching all the National Curriculum subjects at KS1 and KS2. My roles within school ranged from subject co-ordinator, phase leader, ECT and student mentor. My final role in school was as a Deputy Headteacher where my key responsibility was to ensure high standards of teaching and learning across the school.
I am passionate about ensuring all primary children receive a high quality education, where they can learn in a stimulating, engaging environment. I have worked in a variety of teams and understand the importance of collaboration, in order to develop learning. Working with colleagues, we have developed CPD and training programmes to support children's outcomes. I believe that mentoring and coaching are vital parts of any job and I have greatly enjoyed supporting Early Career Teachers (ECTs) within my school roles and now from my lecturer role.
Hobbies and interests
Outside of work, I enjoy doing sport/exercise regularly to help me unwind. I used to play netball for years but now try and manage a few gym classes each week. Also, I like to read and go to live music shows. Music always sounds better when the volume is louder.
Qualifications and accreditations
As well as my BA Primary Education QTS Hons degree, I have also completed:
- Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice
- National Professional Qualification in Senor Leadership
- National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development
Last year, I became a member of the FHEA and completed a small-scale research project about transitioning from primary teaching to Higher Education. Reflective practice was a key part of this.
Membership of professional bodies
I am a Fellow of Higher Education Academy - FHEA
Research
Research profile
Research is a new field that I have been exploring since joining the university's Primary Education team. I am awaiting my first publication in St Mary's ReflectED:
'How can reflective practice be used to support the effective transition of primary teachers to teacher educators in Higher Education (HE)?'