Fiona Rice

Fiona Rice is a Teaching Professor in the School of Education at the University of Strathclyde, where she joined as a Teaching Associate in Gaelic Education in 2017. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Gaelic Medium Education. Previously, she taught Gaelic at Hazlehead Academy and Grange Academy, holding leadership roles in Gaelic departments. She has extensive experience in Gaelic assessments (National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher) and has collaborated with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as an examination writer and marker. From 2013–2017, she served as Deputy Lead Verifier for Gaidhlig national qualifications.

Education:

• MA (Hons) Gaelic with Education, University of Aberdeen (2012)
• PG Certificate Supporting Teacher Learning, University of Strathclyde (2021)
• Leadership in Gaelic Education, Social Enterprise Academy (2016)

Teaching and Research Interests: Fiona specializes in Gaelic Medium Education, pedagogical innovation, and community-driven educational practices. She leads and teaches across modules including PGDE Creative Contexts for Learning (Gaelic Education), PGDE Placement Learning (Primary/Secondary Gaelic Medium), and BA Policy and Politics in Education.

Projects & Activities: Fiona led the Gaelic ATQ project (2021–2022), a knowledge-exchange initiative funded by Bord na Gaidhlig. She has organized major conferences (e.g., Eòlas 2021) and delivered oral presentations on Gaelic education. She co-hosted a podcast exploring Gaelic-medium instruction in Scotland, emphasizing its cultural and pedagogical significance.

Awards:

• Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2024)
• NQT of the Year (Aberdeen City Council, 2013)

Advising & Grants: Fiona supervises dissertations for the Master of Education program. Her work integrates policy analysis, teacher training, and community engagement to support Gaelic language preservation and educational equity.