Jo Williams

Jo Williams is a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education Initial Teacher Training (ITT) at the University of Chester, part of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. She is a member of the Mentor Development Team and the Mentoring and Coaching in Education Research Group. With over 20 years of experience, her career spans primary school teaching, early years consultancy, and children’s centre management. She specializes in early childhood education, emphasizing early intervention and ensuring children receive the best educational start.

Her research focuses on transforming early years practice through professional development, as evidenced by her MA dissertation on this topic. She has taught reception and Key Stage One in outstanding primary schools and led early years programs in top-rated nurseries. Her higher education experience includes roles at Manchester Metropolitan University and Liverpool John Moores University, supporting students pursuing early years teacher status and early childhood studies.

Teaching & Supervision:

• Primary school teaching (reception and Key Stage One)
• Early years leadership in outstanding day nurseries
• Higher education mentorship for early years teacher candidates

Research & Knowledge Exchange:

• Expertise in professional development for early years educators
• Advocate for evidence-based early intervention strategies

Labs/Teams: Active contributor to the Mentoring and Coaching in Education Research Group and the Mentor Development Team.