Steven Hodson

Profile

Biography

Currently, I am a preschool teacher at an outstanding maintained nursery school in Chorley, Lancashire. I am the subject lead for maths and expressive art and design and have previous experience in leading on physical development and music, at primary level. I love outdoor learning and, as a qualified forest school leader, love to be outside, exploring nature in all weathers. Before relocating to the North-West, I taught in Hackney, London, where I trained to teach, and was the inclusion lead, SENCO and designated safeguarding lead at a busy, two-form entry school.

Why were you interested in the role?

I was interested in the lead mentor position as I felt it would be a way to develop my career whilst also staying within teaching, as being in the classroom is what I enjoy the most. I thought that being part of the wider Edge Hill network would support my career development as I would get to see other settings and keep up to date with current research and practice.

What does your role bring to student experience?

I think that being involved in university placements, both long term and shorter experiential visits, gives our pupils the experience and practice of developing relationships with more people. The trainees are also coming with the most recent and informed practice with also helps our support staff.

Outline your input with students and the benefits this brings to students

In terms of supporting university trainees, I act as both professional and classroom mentor, supporting their development and wellbeing through coaching and offering wider experiences where possible, such as visiting our neighbouring primary to meet with teachers in both key stage one and two. As a lead mentor, I think I bring several benefits due to my varied teaching experiences as a highly experienced early years teacher and SENCO. I would like to see more males within the sector and feel proud to work as an early years teacher and I hope that the trainees feel inspired and informed from the experiences and strategies I share during guest lectures and through my mentoring.

What inspired you to do the role with Edge Hill University?

Working with university students and seeing how they develop across their placements is a rewarding part of my teacher and mentor role and receiving positive feedback from visiting link tutors regarding my mentoring inspired me share my knowledge, experience and practice as a lead mentor.

What are the top 3 skills your role is supporting you to develop?

I think the skills I have developed are supporting trainee wellbeing through developing close relationships, developing a sequential and considered experience for trainees when on placement and being able to identify strengths and areas for development when working with trainees.

What insights are you gaining from your current role and how is this supported by staff at EHU?

The nursery where I currently teach has a percentage of children with additional needs and we pride ourselves on our adaptive teaching, support pupils with sensory regulation and communication skills. I have supported the early years team in several ways relating to inclusion and adaptive practices, including lectures and quality assuring support materials for trainees with additional needs.

What are you most enjoying about your role, and what are the challenges (if any), and how have you overcome these?

I enjoy working alongside the other lead mentor and feel that having this wider network of teachers helps me to feel positive about my own pedagogy.

What’s the best thing about Edge Hill University to you?

I think that the amount of thought and planning that goes into supporting the trainees and the mentors at placement settings stands as strengths of the university.

How have/will your role support your career progression?

Being a lead mentor has given me valuable experience in teaching and lecturing at a higher education level and this is an area that I aim to move in to.

What advice would you give to someone considering this role at Edge Hill University?

I would say that having the day away from your school and working alongside experienced and passionate lecturers and other experienced teachers from contrasting settings helps develop your wider view of teaching and current practice and it will benefit not only you but your school as you will return feeling enthused.

How has Edge Hill supported you during your role?

I have ongoing training through development days, online training and through sharing practice and ideas with other mentors. The role is supported well as Edge Hill are aware that lead mentors only work within that role one day per week and it doesn’t encroach on my teaching hours.