Michelle Sangster

Prior to being a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at Birmingham City University’s College of Education, Michelle worked as a visiting lecturer. Michelle is an experienced primary school teacher and leader, including many years as Deputy Headteacher (NPQH) in a larger than average Primary School. During this time, she has been a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) for English and Initial Teacher Training (ITT), a professional coach and mentor both focusing on developing classroom expertise and leadership. Prior to this, Michelle supported schools, as an accredited Local Education Authority (LEA) writing moderator and was part of the team for several years.

In addition to Michelle’s University role, she regularly works in close collaboration with education settings across the West Midlands for a variety of education purposes including facilitating on the Early Career Teacher Programme for both ECTs and their mentors, as well as providing coach-on-coaching to ECF mentors. Alongside this, Michelle also facilitates on the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL) providing guidance and support to enable leaders to achieve their qualification.  From 2022, Michelle has been an active committee board member for an Early Years and Pre-School setting, believing that having a strong committee ensures robust debate and support, which leads to better educational outcomes for children.

Michelle is currently studying towards her Masters, in Education (MA), she is confident that the learning from her MA will enhance her teaching and will make a significant contribution to promoting independent thought and action in the classroom for BCU students, the staff team, and wider Universities partnerships. Aligning with the vision and values of BCU, she recognises the importance of Education and further studies, thus highlighting her commitment to expanding knowledge, developing critical understanding, building research capacity and capability.

In closing, Michelle strongly believes that all learners thrive when equal and equitable opportunities are facilitated, enabling them to fulfil their future aspirations and develop life skills.