Lizana Oberholzer

Lizana Oberholzer is a Senior Lecturer in Postgraduate Education at the University of Wolverhampton, Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing. She plays a pivotal role in teacher education, leadership development, and professional learning. She holds multiple leadership positions in national education organizations, including BERA, BELMAS, BAMEed, UCET, IPDA, and the APPG for the Teaching Profession.

• Principal Fellow, Higher Education Academy
• Chartered College of Teaching Founding Fellow
• CMI Fellow
• CollectiveEd Fellow
• BAMEed Trustee
• BERA SIG Convenor (Teacher Education)
• BELMAS RIG Convenor (Governing and Governance)
• Vice Chair, UCET CPD Forum
• Chair, APPG SIG for CPD and Teacher Development
• Conference Committee Chair, IPDA Annual Conference

Her educational background includes a Master’s in Education from Anglia Ruskin University, a PGCE from the University of South Africa, and multiple postgraduate qualifications in coaching, mentoring, and inclusion from UK institutions.

• Masters in Education – Anglia Ruskin University (2008–2010)
• PGCE – University of South Africa (2001)
• PG Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring – Oxford Brookes University (2008–2009)
• PG Diploma in Inclusion – University of Bedfordshire (2011–2013)
• QTS – University of Hertfordshire (2003)

Lizana’s research centers on teacher and leadership development, with a strong emphasis on mentoring and coaching, governance, inclusion, and social mobility. Her work supports BAME leaders, women in leadership, and school leaders at all levels through structured coaching frameworks. She leads significant projects on headteacher development, BAMEed coaching, and the role of teacher education in higher education institutions.

Her recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on mentoring and coaching across all career stages, from initial teacher training to senior leadership. The articles span journals and books, addressing themes such as leadership narrative analysis, educational governance, inclusion, and the impact of the pandemic on education. The body of work reflects a commitment to equity, professional growth, and systemic improvement in education.

Her scientific awards and honors reflect national recognition of her contributions to education. She is a Principal Fellow of the HEA and holds fellowships with CMI and the Chartered College of Teaching. Her leadership roles in professional bodies underscore her influence in shaping teacher development policy and practice.

• Principal Fellow, Higher Education Academy
• Chartered College of Teaching Founding Fellow
• CMI Fellow
• BAMEed Trustee
• BERA SIG Convenor
• UCET CPD Forum Vice Chair
• APPG SIG Chair
• IPDA Conference Committee Chair

Lizana supervises MA dissertation students in areas such as teaching and learning, inclusion, leadership, coaching, and mentoring. She leads the delivery of New National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) and supports learners on the Early Careers Framework. Her current grants include the BAMEed Coaching Project, SRHE Scoping Award, UCET ECF Track Changes Project, and multiple Headteacher Development initiatives, reflecting sustained external funding and research impact.

She is actively involved in research teams and professional networks such as UCET, IPDA, BAMEed, and WomenEd, which function as collaborative labs and communities of practice focused on equity, leadership development, and teacher education reform.