Helen Lewis

Dr. Helen Lewis is an Associate Professor in Education and Childhood Studies at Swansea University's School of Social Sciences. She serves as the School Education Lead and Programme Director for the Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Her work bridges teacher education, metacognitive development in children, and innovative uses of animal-assisted interventions in schools.

Her research focuses on two pillars: 1) fostering children's thinking skills and metacognition through pedagogical frameworks like Project Zero's VSRD methodology, and 2) exploring how school dogs enhance pupil well-being, learning, and resilience. Recent projects include an ESRC-funded initiative creating best practice guidelines for canine-assisted education.

Professionally, she holds certifications in animal-assisted play therapy and canine intervention strategies. She actively contributes to academic governance as an External Examiner at institutions like University College London and serves on national committees such as the National School Dog Alliance and Let's Think Forum.

Her career highlights include leadership roles in program development (BA Education Studies, MA Education), peer review for academic journals, and governance as a primary school inspector for Estyn. She balances rigorous scholarship with practical advocacy for evidence-based educational practices.