Dr Georgina Spry

My main areas of expertise are: creative and reflexive practice, art and design, design and technology, and pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning in primary and early years teacher education.

I firmly believe that my role should be that of facilitator, of a guide. My mission is to become a partner in the learning process with the student, one who leads them to independently discover the meaning within the subject being taught. I maintain that students should have a full and active part in their education and that I am the facilitator and partner within this learning environment. Good educators make learning relevant, real, and rewarding; education must consider the experience and interests of the student and their life experience. I try to make learning experiences relevant and participative.

I do not doubt that teaching is my vocation, my calling; it is what I do and am. I am very aware of the privileged position this puts me and am humbled by this. I strive to promote the love of learning and a creative approach to teaching in all I do. I have an infectious passion for all arts-based teaching, how the arts can enhance a person’s education and, importantly, well-being.

This passion is also alive in my research, which is not only on how we learn in craft communities as individuals and groups but also how this engagement supports us emotionally and educationally. I am, and always have been, committed to the teaching profession, believing firmly in the importance of quality in education and can bring my expertise, knowledge and passion for learning into education where I hope to connect, inform and inspire. I aim to be an inspiration and a partner to all that I teach.

I have presented research at many European conferences and have worked as a creative consultant internationally. Completing an Education Doctorate supported my research into personal and professional study in the arts, notably crafts based research. My thesis researched how groups of craftspeople support each other by learning new skills and transferring this knowledge, alongside research into how crafts are used as a place of reflection and healing.

I have always had a passion for the arts, and the conveying of these skills to inspiring and established teachers and my own arts-based research and practice helps to support this passion. I have had my achievements recognised by the Chartered College of Teaching by awarding me a Founding Fellowship and the Higher Education Academy with my Senior Fellowship award.

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