Steve Connolly

Steve Connolly is an Associate Professor at Anglia Ruskin University's School of Education, where he serves as Deputy Head and Co-Director of the Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD). With a background spanning 20 years in London secondary schools and roles at the University of Bedfordshire, his work integrates media education, curriculum theory, and teacher development. He holds multiple editorial positions, including at the Media Education Research Journal, and is Chair of the Media Education Association Executive Committee.

Education:

• PhD in Media Education, Institute of Education, UCL
• MA in Media Education, Institute of Education, UCL
• PGCE in Secondary English, De Montfort University
• BA (Hons) in American Studies and Philosophy, University of Nottingham

Research Interests:
Connolly's research explores media literacy, cultural capital, and curriculum design, emphasizing the intersection of creativity, policy, and equity in education. His projects include evaluating interventions for disadvantaged youth and analyzing how teachers navigate systemic challenges. He advocates for interdisciplinary approaches linking media studies with broader educational frameworks.

Publications Insight:
His recent publications focus on media pedagogy, curriculum reform, and teacher identity, often critiquing policy-practice gaps. Trends include historical analyses of media education, epistemologies of knowledge, and digital learning environments, reflecting a commitment to critical, equity-oriented scholarship.

Grants & Projects:

• Preventing Sexual Harassment in Schools (2024, £6,750, Principal Investigator)
• ‘Eye of Boudicca’ Harassment Training (2023, £3,509, Principal Investigator)
• Professional Enquiry for Teachers (2021-2022, £30,000, Co-investigator)
• RADY Programme Evaluation (2019-2021, £10,000)

Advising & Leadership:
He supervises doctoral projects on topics like home education and curriculum history. As Co-Director of the EdD, he shapes professional doctorate frameworks and mentors emerging scholars, fostering research on media, identity, and educational policy.