• Why did you join the TEd in EAP SIG?

As a co-founder of the SIG with Carole (MacDiamid), the seeds grew from an initial conversation with Carole, who first suggested the idea of proposing this SIG to BALEAP. I was very keen to work on this with her as I felt that there was a real absence of any forum for EAP teacher educators. I knew how much I personally gained from being able to have conversations with her about EAP teacher education and development, and wanted to provide something for others in similar roles.

• What part of the SIG/your work for the SIG do you enjoy most?

There are many different aspects to the SIG which I enjoy. Being part of other people’s development paths is rewarding, and feeling that, in some way, you are contributing to other people’s professional lives is very satisfying. From a more personal perspective, I love working with the other Committee members and have learned a lot from this very creative, talented group of EAP professionals. We have developed real friendships beyond the SIG and, despite being in different locations most of the time, have SIG days out, travelling across the country to meet up with each other. We have yet to get all of us in the same place at the same time, but we are working on it!

• Tell us about your research/PhD/study interests. Why do you like this area?

Teacher development and scholarship has always been my ‘thing’ hence being part of this SIG. I am interested in how we learn to do our work and how we develop, especially in EAP which does not have one single development pathway. At the moment, I am interested in the relationship between institutional and individual EAP CPD, especially in the context of Pre-Sessional teaching, and how institutions can support the professional development of colleagues who may join them for a short contract (and exploring this with two of my summer Pre-Sessional colleagues which is very exciting). I am also working on a BALEAP-funded project which is investigating what it means to be an effective and competent EAP teacher. That’s a collaboration with Carole MacDiarmid and Xiaoqing Bi – I’m all about the collaboration!

• Is there one key moment or incident that has influenced your career path? Why? How?

For me, it has not been a key moment or an incident, but particular people at particular moments. Being self-sufficient and having agency is, of course, essential in your work but what has made the biggest difference for me has been specific colleagues (not necessarily always managers) who, at different times and in different jobs, have encouraged, mentored, and supported me to try new things, whether that has been to pursue new qualifications, put myself forward for different opportunities, or just provided an alternative perspective on something. It’s all about people!

• What are you looking forward to next year?

I am looking forward to more SIG activity and making progress on my own scholarship projects.