SIAN ONIONS

I hold Qualified Teacher Status and have taught across the primary age phase including Reception, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. As a main scale teacher, I led mathematics and ICT (now Computing) and acted as a mentor for trainee teachers. Following this period of teaching in the primary school sector, I commenced employment in Higher Education, initially as a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, with specialisms in mathematics and computing. During my employment at Edge Hill University I have taught across, and led, provision within both the 3-7 and 5-11 age phase. I have held the roles of Programme Leader, Assistant Head of Department and Acting Head of Department.

I have held Higher Education Academy fellowship since its inception in 2003. I have held two appointments as an External Examiner at Manchester Metropolitan University (Primary PGCE QTS) and Bishop Grosseteste University (BA Hons Primary Education QTS) currently act as an External Examiner at York St John University (BA Hons Primary Education QTS).

I contribute to many aspects of the life of the University, for example appeals, malpractice, complaints and validation panels. I am a mental health ambassador, having completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and I have represented the Faculty on the Student Experience Sub-Committee, Employability Sub-Committee and Student Opportunities Fund Panel.

I completed a Masters of Art in Education qualification in 2008 and I am currently studying for a Doctorate in Education with the Open University with a focus on Head teachers’ perceptions of and attitudes towards early career teachers’ digital identity. This will provide an insight into the Head teachers’ reflections of how these perceptions align to their own digital identity and what behaviours they adopt when making recruitment decisions.