Robert Stannard

Robert Stannard is the Course Director for Initial Teacher Training at Staffordshire University, joining in 2021. Previously, he held academic leadership roles at Keele University, including Director of PGCE and Director of the Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Programme. With over 12 years of secondary teaching experience, he transitioned to teacher education in 1996, lecturing at Birmingham, Cardiff, and Edge Hill Universities. His academic background includes a BA in English and American Literature from the University of Kent, an MA in Creative Writing from Cardiff University, and a PGCE in English and Drama from Queen's University Belfast.

Education:

• MA in The Teaching and Practice of Creative Writing, Cardiff University
• BA (Hons) in English and American Literature, University of Kent
• PGCE English and Drama (Distinction), Queen's University Belfast
• Diploma in Drama in Education, RSA

Research Interests: Driven by creativity, Stannard focuses on Creative Writing pedagogy, Drama as an educational medium, and Dialogic Coaching. He explores how creativity enhances learning, particularly through mentoring frameworks and arts-based educational practices. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing the transformative potential of creative disciplines in education.

Awards: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Advising & Leadership: Stannard has led major teacher training programs, including co-directing PGCE English at Edge Hill and directing BA/MA Liberal Arts at Keele. He pioneered flexible teacher education models and contributed to academic professional apprenticeships.