Personal statement

Debbie graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with an Honours degree in Biological Sciences followed by a PGCE with Distinction in Teaching from Strathclyde University 2000. Debbie was Principal teacher of Biology in an East Dunbartonshire council school for 8 years before joining the University of Strathclyde School of Education on secondment in August 2015.

A Teaching Fellow since 2017, Debbie is the PGDE & Degrees with Secondary Teaching Qualification course leader with a remit that contributes to the strategic development and wellbeing of the PGDE programmes within the School of Education. As the PGDE & Degrees with Secondary Qualification assessment coordinator, Debbie strives to ensure a robust approach to assessment with consideration of equity and inclusive processes to enhance the student experience.

As coordinator of the PGDE Biology with Science course, Debbie is responsible for recruitment to the course, and is keen to share her knowledge and expertise to maximise the experiences of student teachers as they work to inform their practice and become effective classroom practitioners. Proactive in building strong relationships and partnership with schools and partner agencies, Debbie works enthusiastically to support and assess PGDE students on placement.

Debbie also teaches on the BA Primary Education course, with a focus on Education for Sustainable Development and has a keen interest in promoting STEM Education in the primary school offering CLPL to local authorities and primary school practitioners.

Debbie is involved in the work of the University, and is an active member of several committees as a representative for the School of Education including the Faculty Learning Enhancement committee and Faculty Board of Studies. As convener of the Leadership in Learning network and chair of the School of Education Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing (Induction)  sub committee, Debbie has a remit to create an induction and mentorship programme to support new members of staff. Debbie is keen to promote STEM education, and is an active member of the STEM network working in collaboration with several faculties across the University.

As an active member of the Strathcyde Climate Ambassadors Network (SCAN) and FRESK climate change facilitator, Debbie is passionate about edcation for sustainable development and leads a variety of projects to incorporate ESD in the Initial teacher education (ITE) programmes. 

Debbie is involved in action research in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, in a project funded by SCEL, focusing on the professional update (PU) of GTCS registered teachers. 

In 2022, Debbie was awarded Senior Fellowship of the prestigious Higher Education Academy.