Jane Whittenbury

jane-whittenbury-profile-image

Senior Lecturer in Primary ITE

Institute of Education

Primary Education

Contact Details

email: j.whittenbury@worc.ac.uk
tel: 01905 855503

Jane taught in Primary and Middle schools for 15 years before becoming involved with the University of Worcester, the last 9 years as Literacy Co-ordinator. For two years, Jane was released one day a week from school to teach English at the University. This then developed into a secondment in 2003 and she is now a part-time tutor on the Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. In July 2022, Jane received a long-service award at the annual staff garden-party.

Jane teaches on English modules on UG and PG courses and has a passion for teaching grammar and promoting Reading for Pleasure. She also teaches on Developing Self modules where she has particular interests in well-being and positive psychology.

As a School Experience tutor, Jane travels around the area to observe students in school and work with teachers. She works closely with schools as part of her role within the Partnership team. Jane was involved in a reading project with local primary schools and UG trainees which led to writing a chapter in a peer reviewed book and presenting at conferences.

Other interests include mentoring. Jane's MA.Ed dissertation focused on mentoring new members of academic staff.

Qualifications

  • MA.Ed
  • B.Ed (Hons)
  • SEDA
  • Certificate in Professional Studies in Education: Primary History

Learn Upon Training completed

  • Safer Recruitment
  • Introduction to the Prevent Duty as it affects Higher Education
  • Safeguarding Essentials

Teaching & Research

Teaching Interests

  • Primary UG English:
  • PITE1104
  • PITE3104
  • PGCE English
  • Developing Self:
  • PITE1103
  • PITE3103

Research Interests

  • Mentoring
  • Reflective practice
  • Primary English
  • Promoting a strengths-based approach

Professional Bodies

United Kingdom Literacy Association

Publications

Recent publications:

Stanton, J. and Whittenbury, J. (2020) Social Learning for Student Teachers and Children: Findings from the Chatterbooks Reading Groups Initiative (Chpt 2) in Kington, A. and Blackmore, K. (eds) Social and Learning Relationships in Primary Schools. London. Bloomsbury.

Hughes, S., Bingle, B., Crabtree, H., Irving, S., Perrigo, A., Robinson, C., Stanton, J., Watson, R and Whittenbury, J. (2011) Mentoring and Coaching Stories the Learning Journeys of Lecturers Undertaking Post Graduate Study in Mentoring and Coaching. Worcester Journal of Learning and Teaching (6).

Contributor: Effective Teachers of Writing: What do they know and do? in Mills,C and Ellis, S (eds) (2002) Connecting, Creating: New Ideas in Teaching Writing. Herts. UKRA

Conferences:

  • Jane Whittenbury, Suzanne Allies, Molly Phillips, Georgie Phillips and Lucy Tinley:

‘Student support for anxiety: Creating a useful display and leaflet focussing on how to cope with anxiety whilst undertaking an ITE course.’ Presented at the Learning and Teaching Conference, University of Worcester, June 2018.

  • Jane Whittenbury, Taylor Cornes, Kimberley Haynes, Chloe Piper:

‘Developing student engagement in Induction Week.’ Presented at the Learning and Teaching Conference, University of Worcester, June 2016.

  • Jane Whittenbury Sharni Cotterill, Molly Drew, Laura Kirton, Cara Tromans, Gemma Cartwright :

‘Taking the Fear out of research – part 2.’ Presented at the Learning and Teaching Conference, University of Worcester, June 2016.

  • Jane Whittenbury, Gemma Bagnall:

‘Investigating the role of one-to-one reading in a primary school in order to develop a trainee’s interest and engagement with research.’ Presented at the Learning and Teaching Conference, University of Worcester, June 2014.

  • Jane Whittenbury, Kim Russell, Mandy Andrews, Sue Lillyman:

‘Undergraduates’ experiences of reflection as a learning tool for being and becoming a professional: An interdisciplinary proposal.’ Presented at the Learning and Teaching Conference, University of Worcester, June 2011.

External Roles

  • External Examiner at Nottingham Trent University
  • Vice-Chair of Governors, Hallow CE Primary School