Dr Angela de Britos joined the University of Strathclyde as a Teaching Fellow in Primary Education in 2019. Since then, Angela has become the course leader for the MEd Education Studies programme.
Tell us a little about your career so far...
After completing my degree here at Strathclyde, I lived and taught in Spain for a few years in a bilingual Montessori school before I returned to the UK in 2003. I taught in a variety of schools working with pupils from nursery to P7 before becoming Deputy Head Teacher and a Local Authority Advisory Teacher for languages, including English as an additional language (EAL). I later moved to a lecturing role at the University of St Mark & St John in Plymouth and then more recently I worked at SCILT, Scotland’s national centre for languages which is based at Strathclyde. I joined the School of Education as a Teaching Fellow in 2019 and I am loving my new role.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career to date?
Going to London to receive the International School Award from David Attenborough is definitely the most memorable moment of my career so far – he is my hero! But when I see the achievements of former pupils, those feel momentous too.
What inspired you to get into Primary Education?
When I was little, I had an amazing teacher in P1 and P2 who gave her all to teaching, and engaged and inspired me every day. I knew that I wanted to have a similar teaching style to Miss Clelland and inspire further generations of children.
What is your role within the school?
I am a Teaching Fellow in primary education and I work with undergraduate, PGDE and Masters students.
What current trends do you see influencing your field?
My interests lie in multilingualism and multiculturalism so recent events relating to Brexit, the Trump Administration and an anti-immigration rhetoric only serve to make me more passionate about equality.
Tell us about any research you are currently involved in.
I lead an EU funded Erasmus+ project called Generation Global involving universities in Denmark and Norway which focuses on the importance of linguistic and intercultural skills for the future workforce. I am also in the very early stages of compiling a bid with colleagues for a research project which explores the experiences of asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland.
What initially attracted you to the University of Strathclyde?
Having started my career as a student at Strathclyde, I have done a full 360° by returning here to work. What drew me to the University then is what still attracts me now – an ambitious vision and a sense of dedication to improving society. I’m a true Strathclyder at heart!
You can keep up-to-date with Angela's research here:
Mother Tongue Other Tongue multilingual project for schools: Add your voice to the Poet-Tree >>
The Erasmus+ Generation Global project >>