About
Hazel Wordsworth is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) at the School of Education, Bangor University. She leads the quality assurance, validation, and accreditation of all ITE programs awarding Qualified Teacher Status. She actively collaborates with the Welsh Government, the Education Workforce Council, and partner institutions to advance teacher education reform in Wales.
Education:
- PhD in Education (ongoing), Bangor University (Award expected: 2025)
- MA in Early Childhood, University of Chester (2013)
- BEd in Education, Drama and English with QTS, University of Chester (1990)
Her research focuses on the professional learning of teachers and teacher educators, particularly within collaborative partnerships for Initial Teacher Education. She has a strong commitment to early childhood education, especially child-initiated play, learner agency, and the child’s voice in the Foundation Phase (0–7 years). Her work bridges research, policy, and practice in Welsh education.
The available publication highlights her involvement in the CaBan ITE partnership, emphasizing collaborative models for developing future teachers. Themes across her work include teacher education reform, quality assurance, and early years curriculum development in the Welsh context.
Scientific Awards and Recognitions:
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Peer ESTYN Inspector for Initial Teacher Education
- Registered and Practising Nursery Inspector for ESTYN
Hazel Wordsworth supervises and teaches within the PGCE and BA Primary programmes, focusing on languages, literacy, communication, and core pedagogical studies in the Foundation Phase. She holds an external moderation role at Grwp Llandrillo Menai and contributes to national policy through her membership in the Welsh Government Foundation Phase Excellence Network. Her leadership extends to curriculum resource development and advisory functions in early years education.
She is actively engaged in research, policy, and quality enhancement in teacher education and does not lead a named laboratory or research center, but her work is embedded in institutional and governmental networks focused on educational improvement.
Research fields
