معرفی
Josh Franks is a Lecturer in Early Years and Primary Education at UCL's Institute of Education (IOE), based in the Department of Learning and Leadership. He has been a full-time faculty member since 2016, transitioning from a primary school teaching career where he also held part-time roles at IOE. His work focuses on mentoring new teachers to prioritize student well-being and learning over high-stakes assessments.
Dr. Franks holds a PhD in Primary Education from UCL IOE (2020), which explored how writing instruction relates to voice and social justice. His research emphasizes the role of teacher autonomy in fostering student creativity and social equity. He actively collaborates with schools in Camden, Islington, and across London to bridge theory and practice.
Academically, he leads modules on the Primary PGCE and MA Literacy programs, emphasizing social justice themes such as anti-racism frameworks, curriculum reform, and equitable assessment practices. He co-leads initiatives like 'Liberating the Curriculum' and integrates anti-racist pedagogy into teacher training. His teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to express individual potential through inclusive practices.
Franks is committed to addressing systemic inequities in education, particularly through challenging traditional notions of student 'voice' and engagement. He supervises doctoral students and engages in outreach, media commentary, and curriculum advisory work to advance educational equity.
