Stuart Fraser
Stuart is the Subject Leader for ICT and Computing at the King Edward VI School. He has 16 years of experience within his subject area and has also be involved in a wide range of other whole school initiatives. He is an experienced educator and has delivered CPD on a range of topics during his time at King Edwards, although generally with a technology and assessment focus. He has also worked in a supportive role, assisting other schools with their curriculum and technology journey.
Jo Kendrick
Following an early career in banking I retrained and have spent the last 18 years working in education, with a particular focus and passion for SEND. I am Assistant Headteacher at Gibside School, and outstanding primary SEND specialist school. At Gibside I am responsible for the Quality of Education, leading the way in curriculum development and outstanding teaching practice. Additionally I work alongside several Teaching Hubs and Universities; delivering high quality training, enabling new teachers to understand and develop their own approaches within the SEND setting or applying their understanding of SEND within a mainstream setting. I have a MA in Autism, have worked through the NPQ courses throughout my career and am currently completing the NPQH qualification with Ambition Institute, through Three Rivers.
Rachel Holisz
Rachel is Upper Key Stage 2 Phase Lead, English Lead and Languages Lead at Darras Hall Primary School in Ponteland. She has 18 years of experience teaching across the whole primary age phase with her most recent experience in Years 5 and 6.
She has been a KS2 Writing moderator for 10 years and now supports moderators across many schools as a Lead Moderator for Northumberland County Council. She has led CPD at school and trust level as well as training Early Careers Teachers at Northumbria University.
Janine Quinn
Janine is the Deputy Headteacher at North Fawdon Primary School, part of SMART multi-academy trust, and a primary Visiting Fellow for Three Rivers. She has over ten years experience in primary education and is an Early Years specialist, however, she has taught across the primary phase. She is an experienced coach and mentor and leads on teaching development across her trust. She is passionate about providing early career teachers with positive experiences and encouraging success. She is an experienced facilitator who has led CPD for teachers at school, trust and wider levels.
Maddy Opstad
Maddy is an Associate Leader for Teaching and Learning as well as being Head of Faculty for MFL at Duke's Academy in Ashington. In her twenty year career she has worked in a range of schools in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Worcestershire. Maddy has led training for a wide range of teachers at different stages of their careers both in her school and in others.
Tim Sims
Tim has been in teaching for over 40 years. During this time he has been a Headteacher at an international school in Zambia in Southern Africa, and more recently Director of the Emmanuel Teaching School Alliance embracing a number of schools all over the North East. He now works as a Visiting Fellow on the ECT programme and in leadership development through the NPQ suite of qualifications.
Samantha Parker
Samantha is an experienced and dedicated Teacher, Coach and Key Stage 1 Moderator who inspires and develops all around her. Samantha currently teaches at an all through school in Northumberland. She is an exceptional and passionate Primary Lead Practitioner with many years of experience as a Subject, Key Stage and Assessment Lead. Samantha has also worked as a Specialist Leader in Education and an Assistant Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning where she led change. Throughout her roles, Samantha has supported teachers at all stages within their careers. She has played a significant part in leading CPD and has proven to be a compassionate and strong instructional coach. Samantha is also a mentor for Early Career Teachers and uses instructional coaching with her trainees.
Eve Hedley
Eve Hedley is currently the PiXL Lead for ECTs and MFL and is also a PiXL Associate for 32 North-East schools. Eve has twenty-two years teaching experience in the MFL classroom across all key stages and is passionate about languages, raising achievement and improving the quality of teaching and learning in our schools. Eve is a former Deputy Headteacher and was in charge of Quality of Education and teaching and Learning. Throughout her career, Eve has been involved in some highly challenging, but ultimately very successful school to school support programmes which have given her a unique skill set and an insight into what is needed to affect change and transform struggling schools and departments. Eve is a skilled coach, mentor, AST and SLE and also runs a successful consultancy business offering training and support to schools and other organisations.
Laura Pearson
Laura is Deputy Headteacher and Specialist Leader in Education at a large primary school in North Tyneside. She has taught for over 12 years, across a range of year groups, as well as leading in Early Years and English. She is an experienced facilitator and Induction Tutor, who enjoys supporting teachers at different points in their careers.
Lorna Wellingsclare
Lorna is an Assistant Head Teacher at Berwick Academy. Her role includes leading on curriculum, teaching and learning, reading, and work with Early Career Teachers. As the CPD lead in her school, she has experience of facilitating CPD for teachers and loves engaging in professional learning to keep her knowledge and skills up-to-date.