Enterprising Times Jan/Feb 2013 Print Version - Staffordshire ...

Enterprising Times
Faculty of Business, Education and Law, Staffordshire University
www.staffs.ac.uk
+44 (0)1782 294060
Page 10
Staff Profile – Russel Spink
I have enjoyed a tremendously warm welcome from colleagues since joining the university, in a full-time
capacity, some four weeks ago.
From my early teenage years I wanted to become a teacher and, after graduating from a leading
Conservatoire of Music, I completed a PGCE year and started my first job in Chelmsford. I then
enjoyed 24 years working in a number of high schools, responsible for curriculum management and
pastoral provision. I have experience of senior leadership in the field of pastoral welfare and guidance
and as a senior examiner for A level Examination Boards.
In 2009, I joined Keele University working with the Initial Teacher
Education team. I was responsible for leading sessions in
‘Education and Professional Studies’ and for supervising Associate
Teachers whilst they were on teaching placements. I was invited
to become a Partnership Development Advisor in 2012 with
responsibility for securing and maintaining high quality placements
in local schools.
Prior to my recent appointment, I delivered a number of MA
Education modules (on a sessional basis) for Staffordshire
University. My first group of learners consisted of serving RAF
Officers! You can imagine how impressed they were when I shared
with them my love of all-things ‘aviation’, both before and since
achieving a Private Pilot’s Licence in 1990. I also have an interest in
wine but never mix the two, of course!
At Staffordshire University, I am delivering MA Education modules both on-campus and in four schools.
At the moment, I’m a ‘Pre’ Early Researcher and full of enthusiasm to work towards a Doctoral
qualification. Here, I am particularly drawn to the ‘Troops into Teaching’ initiative and, more especially,
how the recruitment and subsequent training will support such teachers in their guidance and
management of students in school.
I still enjoy practical music-making and concert going. My principal instrument is Piano (although
Clarinet was my first study instrument at college) and I have a special interest in Modern Jazz,
improvisation and the ‘Big-Band’ repertoire.
Thank you for your warm welcome and I’ll look forward to working with you and also to meeting more
colleagues in the coming months.
Contact Russel at r.spink@staffs.ac.uk or on +44 (0)1782 294199.