Phil Wright

Phil Wright is a Lecturer in the Primary Initial Teacher Education team at the University of Cumbria since December 2022. His role focuses on merging practical teaching experience with theoretical insights to inspire student teachers to promote social good through their work with children. He has over 25 years of experience in primary education across the UK, Tanzania, and Malawi, specializing in PE, mathematics, and fostering children's agency.

Research interests center on social justice in education, particularly challenging ability grouping practices and examining teachers' implicit beliefs about student potential. He teaches modules on the Primary PGCE program, emphasizing how educators can 'challenge disadvantage' through inclusive pedagogy. His approach prioritizes the social nature of learning, ensuring all children feel valued and empowered.

Phil advocates for student teachers to recognize their transformative impact on children's lives through care, expectations, and interactions. The University of Cumbria's Primary Education team emphasizes close student mentorship, mirroring the supportive environments they aim to cultivate in classrooms.

An intriguing anecdote: Phil once spent a night in a prison cell in 'no man's land' between South Africa and Swaziland, where he enjoyed chicken curry as an unexpected lodging experience.