Higher Education Career Narratives Podcast

Episode 3 - Dr Anna Smith (School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Education-Focused Associate-Lecturer, St Andrews)

Today, I sit down with Anna Smith, associate lecturer (education-focused) in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, about her journey into an education-focused academic career. Anna shares insights into the formal and informal learning experiences that have shaped her teaching practice, highlighting how these experiences as well as pedagogical scholarship, have helped her become a reflective practitioner. Alongside this, we explore the evolving nature of professional identity in education-focused roles, the challenges and rewards of balancing disciplinary expertise with a commitment to teaching, and the significance of fostering a sense of community amongst education-focused staff. Anna also discusses the impact of publishing scholarship of teaching and learning, not only as a means of personal development but as a way to contribute to a broader academic conversation. This rich and engaging discussion offers valuable perspectives on the realities of an education-focused career. So, whether you’re considering an education-focused role or simply interested in the evolving landscape of academic careers, this episode provides thought-provoking insights and practical reflections.

Episode 2 - Dr Stefan O’Grady (TESOL/EAP Education-Focused Lecturer – IELLI, St Andrews)

In this episode, I talk with Dr Stefan O’Grady who is an education-focused lecturer in Academic English and TESOL. Unlike many academics who transition into teaching after a research-intensive path, Stefan’s journey has been shaped by his early experiences as an English language teacher, leading him to pursue a PhD not as an academic pursuit, but as a means of becoming a better educator. Stefan reflects on the ways his background in language testing, statistics, and applied linguistics have influenced his teaching, and the tensions that arise when navigating different academic traditions and expectations. Our conversation explores themes of professional identity, the intersections of research and teaching, and the challenges of finding one’s academic ‘tribe’ in an interdisciplinary space such as language testing. This episode is a thought-provoking reflection on how we define expertise in teaching and learning, and the importance of fostering intellectual curiosity beyond disciplinary boundaries.

Episode 1 - Professor Eoin Jordan (TESOL/EAP Education-Focused Professor – IELLI, St Andrews)

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Eoin Jordan, an education-focused academic with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education across the UK, Japan, and China. Eoin shares his career journey, from his early days in language teaching to his current leadership role at the University of St Andrews. Together, we explore themes of professional identity, leadership in education, and the evolving role of education-focused academics. Eoin offers thoughtful insights into balancing teaching, research, and service, as well as valuable advice for those forging a career on an education-focused track. Whether you’re new to academia or a seasoned professional, this conversation is filled with relatable experiences and practical tips to inspire and inform your journey.