Lecturer in Initial Teacher Training and Education

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the Institute of Education and Skills

At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities. We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings. Our staff are committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence; engaging learners with cutting-edge research, sector-leading practice, and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We are proud to work with schools, colleges, training providers, and employers across the region and beyond, ensuring that our teaching is grounded in the needs of society and industry.

About the Team

Our Initial Teacher Training Education (ITTE) Primary programmes are designed to prepare future primary school teachers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a lasting difference in children's lives. We offer a supportive, practice-based route into teaching, combining high-quality academic study with extensive school-based placements across our strong network of partner schools. Trainees gain hands-on experience in real classrooms while being guided by experienced mentors and academic experts. Our ITTE Primary provision is committed to developing highly skilled, reflective, and inclusive practitioners; whilst building strong subject knowledge and pedagogical expertise.

About the Role

As a Lecturer in Initial Teacher Training and Education, you will play a key role in developing and inspiring the next generation of education professionals. You will deliver high-quality, engaging teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes, contributing to curriculum development, innovative learning approaches and an outstanding student experience. Alongside teaching and assessment, you will provide academic and pastoral support, helping students to achieve their potential and prepare for successful careers in education.

You will also contribute to research, scholarly activity and knowledge exchange, sharing your expertise through publications, conferences and collaborative partnerships. Working with colleagues and external partners, including schools, employers and professional bodies, you will help strengthen the University's academic profile, enhance real-world learning opportunities and ensure employability is embedded throughout the curriculum.

Principal Accountabilities – Learning / Teaching

Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects / modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes. Ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities. Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University. Participate effectively in the assessment process, including the setting, marking and moderation of student work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring it is in accordance with quality assurance procedures. Participate in the continuing review and development of module/programme delivery, incorporating innovative study modes, learning environments and pedagogic practices to engage and stimulate students, deliver effective learning outcomes and develop the skills and attributes of the 'Derby Graduate'. Take on relevant module leader and/or programme leader responsibilities, including associated marketing, recruitment, delivery and ongoing programme development activities.

Principal Accountabilities – Research / Scholarship

Engage in individual research and collaborate both internally and externally on research projects that are consistent with the College, and contribute to influencing leading edge practice in the University and contribution to the REF. Sustain and enhance the reputation of the University by publishing in appropriate quality journals and presenting at scholarly activities such as workshops, conferences and other similar events. Develop and maintain contacts and relationships with relevant professional, research and industrial organisations. Contribute to writing bids for externally funded research projects.

Other Accountabilities

Act as a personal tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate. Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support. Support marketing and student recruitment activities as required. Develop external links in order to support student recruitment, secure student placements, facilitate outreach work, generate income or build relationships for future activities. Be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, timetabling, examinations and assessment of progress and student attendance. Contribute to effective cross College / University working. Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

Qualifications: Good Honours Degree in relevant subject discipline or equivalent qualification; Master's degree in relevant subject area or L7 credits, for example through a PGCE; Fellowship of the Advanced HE (HEA) or willingness to work towards; PhD (or submitted and awaiting examination) or equivalence accepted in a relevant subject area, for example by publication or through appropriate professional achievement or willingness to work towards within an agreed timeframe; Qualified Teacher Status from the UK; Subject specific qualifications / knowledge.

Experience: Demonstrable experience in the Primary sector in England; Experience or knowledge of quality assurance and validation of HE modules / programmes; Experience or knowledge of higher education and ability to use a range of delivery techniques to inspire and engage students; Demonstrable experience of own discipline to enable the development of new knowledge and understanding within the field; Experience of research / enterprise activity; Evidence of active publishing in high-quality journals or other outputs in research or practice that will contribute to the REF or other areas identified in the College / University Research Strategy.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: An appropriate level of digital capability and aptitude with practical experience of applications which aid student learning; Ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups; Proficient in using IT to support own work and for application to technology-enhanced learning / teaching and research activities; Excellent written and oral communication skills including networking and relationship building skills, both across the University and externally; Able to demonstrate both independent self-management and team working; Able to work with competing priorities and to tight deadlines; Demonstrates competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University's core values; Demonstrates professionalism in learning / teaching and the values of the UK Professional Standards Framework for HE; A sound understanding of the current higher education environment and its implications for the student learning experience; A sound understanding of the employability agenda and its relevance to learners and the curriculum; A sound understanding of internationalisation and its relevance for learners and the curriculum; Flexible to the needs of others; Innovative and creative; Committed to continual enhancement and a high-quality student experience; Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality.

Business Requirements: Completed enhanced DBS with Child Barred Check; Able to take a flexible approach to work; Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for research or teaching; Some evening and occasional weekend teaching; Attendance at Open Days, Graduation events etc.; A commitment to own professional development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata); Teacher's Pension Scheme; Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme; Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers; Discounted onsite gym; Cycle to Work scheme; A flexible working environment; A commitment to personal and professional development.