Mrs Emily Walker-Smith

As Head of Professional Learning Courses in the School of Teacher Education, Emily has oversight of a group of undergraduate and post-graduate courses that support the development of SEND specialists and students already working with children and young people. Emily works with Course Directors and franchise partners to assure the quality of course provision and student experience, and raising the profile and marketability of courses. Prior to this, Emily has undertaken leadership roles in Initial Teacher Education, developing partnerships, practices, and curriculum design across the phases.

Emily's background is in Art & Design Education, and she leads secondary teacher training in this subject area as well.

Since joining CCCU, Emily has taught across a range of courses including Teach First, Secondary ITE, Primary ITE, and Childhood Studies. Emily's expertise extends beyond Art and Design, and into areas of SEND and inclusive practices, and professional practices. She regularly leads sessions and lectures around SEND and Neurodiversity, behaviour, and Trauma and Attachment for ITE groups and on the FD/BA Childhood Studies.

Since joining CCCU, Emily has explored a range of research interests. During her Masters degree she explored teacher educator knowledge and expertise, particularly the differences and misconceptions of school-based mentor and university-based tutor knowledge. For her doctoral research, her interests have broadened into educational policy and the complexities of 'inclusion' in education. 

Emily is a co-opted primary school SEND and Safeguarding Link governor, and has been for over 5 years.