EdD - The Sheffield EdD

I had always wanted to obtain a higher education degree, and early childhood was my passion; even before I completed my MA degree, I was certain that I wanted to continue with the EdD. Dr. Rachael Levy was an amazing mentor who guided my doctoral studies. Her continuous support helped to raise the standards of my assignment papers to a very high level. My doctoral thesis explored the elusiveness of equity and quality in Early Childhood Education policies, and compared polices of two diverse countries (Nepal and USA). The excellent support and encouragement I received from my thesis supervisor, Professor Elizabeth Wood, helped me overcome many constraints and barriers and led me to complete my thesis within four years, despite the devastation that followed after the massive earthquakes in my home country, Nepal.

The thesis was recently selected as the “Rhedding-Jones Outstanding Dissertation 2016” by the Re-conceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE) organization. The award was presented during the RECE conference in New Zealand. The EdD degree has opened many doors and I am currently working as a full-time tenure track faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. I am grateful to have had such an amazing group of people as my mentors. They continue to inspire me to question the status quo, to reflect, and to be passionate about research and teaching.

I embarked on the Education Doctorate with Sheffield University as I was very keen to pursue my professional and academic interest in curriculum studies. Whilst I looked at a number of possible institutions I had a colleague who had recently completed the Sheffield EdD and spoke very highly of the course and the support provided.

From the date of application I have been very impressed with the individual contact and support provided by the tutors within the School of Education. The Educational Studies named route director contacted me to discuss my application, to explain the course and to explore my initial thoughts for my research. I felt very confident embarking on the course that it would be well planned, organised and delivered allowing me to concentrate on my full time job as well as my research. The structure of the two year taught component was an excellent foundation for my research and allowed me to develop doctoral level skills of literature review, analysis, synthesis and academic writing. Part Two (dissertation phase) allowed me to put into practice these skills whilst pursing my research into social justice issues surrounding the English Baccalaureate in English secondary schools.

I cannot praise highly enough the tutor support provided throughout the whole course. My tutor was always available via email, phone or Skype but allowed me the freedom and space to find my own working style and pace to develop as a researcher. I was also encouraged to present my research at the EdD weekends and also at academic conferences, all of which enhanced my skills and confidence as both a researcher and a practitioner. My goals when embarking on the EdD were to contribute as a practitioner to the body of educational research, whilst ensuring that my school leadership decisions were informed by academic research. My career ambitions also continued, as at the point I was ready to submit my thesis I was also appointed to Headship of the David Nieper Academy, an 11-18 sponsored academy in Derbyshire. My participation in the EdD programme was commented on very favourably at my headship interview and allowed me to demonstrate ably my awareness and engagement in educational debate and research.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Sheffield University EdD and recommend this course to all school leaders wishing to develop their academic and research knowledge, understanding and practice alongside their practitioner role.

I started on the Education Doctorate at Sheffield University because I was eager to follow my interest in professional development and teacher’ professional learning.

As a headteacher and leader of learning being able to use my doctoral research to enhance my job role and develop my own knowledge was important for me. I chose the Sheffield EdD because of its established track record for offering high quality support to its students.

Throughout my studies I have been impressed by the support, encouragement and level of supervision provided on the course. The structure of the EdD allowed me to explore different themes in education and develop my thinking and ideas for my research. It also gave me the essential skills needed to undertake my research, such as critical thinking, analysis and academic writing.

The support I received from my tutors throughout my research journey was invaluable. It enabled me to build up the confidence and skills I needed to present my research to a variety of audiences including fellow students, colleagues and other educational leaders.

I have absolutely enjoyed my experience on the University of Sheffield EdD programme and would recommend it to other leaders and colleagues who are wishing to deepen and extend their interests, knowledge and practice.

I engaged in distance learning with the University of Sheffield School of Education from 1998 – 2004 where I completed an MEd in Special and Inclusive Education and an EdD. I’m glad I moved from one degree to the other without taking a break as I’m not sure I would have managed to get studying again if I’d taken a ‘gap year’ aged 38! The Masters degree was exceptionally challenging as my career then, as now, was working in special schools.

I’d drive to Sheffield for a weekend every term and do battle (nearly literally) with a group of exceptional academics who kept telling me that all children should be educated in a mainstream setting irrespective of any additional needs they might have.

Having to articulate and contextualise in spoken and written language my views on difference, disadvantage and education (whilst keeping calm) was a formative experience. I remember sitting in the bar one evening with Professor Wilfred Carr talking about his amazing book ‘Becoming Critical’ and thinking… ‘this is what’s happening to me’. In spite of our differing views on special education, the inclusive education team helped me develop a much broader and reflective view about the children and families I work with and the other stakeholders I engage with through my work.

Derick Armstrong’s book, ‘Power and Partnership in Education’ and the sessions he taught around this publication has always informed the way I think about family engagement work carried out by the organisations I lead.

Since studying at Sheffield I have led two inner London schools designated for pupils identified as having Social, Emotional and Mental Health Issues (SEMH) from being judged to be failing to securing Ofsted judgements of ‘Outstanding’.

Six years ago I moved to work in Croydon and became Headteacher of a small, dispirited, failing SEMH school, the Beckmead Family of Schools is now the largest special school in the country. On May 5th this year I was invited to Buckingham Palace and was awarded an OBE for my ‘Services to Disabled Children and Children with Special Educational Needs’.

For me the honour represented the amazing efforts and achievements of the wonderful children and exceptional colleagues I have worked with over the years.