Joanna Connelly

I am a lecturer on both undergraduate and postgraduate Primary Education courses. I bring extensive experience across the primary age range and have a particular focus on curriculum development. Much of my work has been in schools serving areas of deprivation, and I am passionate about ensuring every child receives the education and opportunities they need to thrive.

I began my teaching career in 2009, initially working in Key Stage 1. Over the course of 15 years in primary education, I have taught across the full primary range, from Reception to Year 6. During this time, I have held a variety of leadership roles, including PE Lead, Maths Lead, English Lead, and Deputy Headteacher. My experience spans diverse settings, from small village schools to large schools serving areas of significant deprivation.

For five years, I had the privilege of being a Headteacher in a primary school within a highly deprived community, which deepened my commitment to supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Most recently, I have specialised in teacher education, designing curriculum content that equips future teachers with the knowledge and skills to inspire and educate the next generation.