Staff Profile
Jo Wheldon
Senior Lecturer, Primary Education
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My teaching career has spanned twenty six years across the full primary phase and within ITE. Having graduated from Goldsmiths' College, London, with a degree in music, I dabbled in media for a few years before completing my Primary PGCE at Bretton Hall through Leeds University. Over the years I have taught in a wide range of settings, from tiny village primaries to large city schools. Each one has offered new learning and wonderful experiences including subject leadership in English, music, geography and, in more recent years, primary science including supporting science leaders in schools across Yorkshire.
My move into teacher education came after completing a Masters Degree at Hull University and taking a leadership role on two school-centred PGCE programmes. My passion for teaching, research and mentoring student and Early Career teachers continued to grow and I joined the ITE team at York St John in September 2022. I am a proud advocate for equality of opportunity for student teachers regardless of their prior experience, circumstances or background.
- School – School of Education, Language and Psychology
- Email – j.wheldon@yorksj.ac.uk
Further information
Teaching
I teach on the undergraduate BA in Primary Education, the PGCE Primary University Centred and the PGCE Primary School Centred postgraduate programmes, including modules on primary music, science, geography, contemporary studies, professional studies and professional and academic skills.
I also teach on the Education, Children and Counselling Foundation Year.
Research
My research focuses on exploring people's experiences in education through qualitative, collaborative research approaches. I have researched with children using creative, participatory methods, enabling them to share their perceptions of topics such as SATs and their own safety in school. I currently lead on an action research project with colleagues which seeks to understand - and improve - outcomes for our male primary student teachers.
I am a research lead for the ITE team.
Professional activities
I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a member of the Chartered College of Teaching. I am a governor at a local secondary school in York, with a focus on SEND and Pupil Premium.
