William Quirke

William Quirke is a Teaching Fellow at the University of Strathclyde's Institute of Education specializing in Sustainability Education, Geography Education, and Practitioner Enquiry. He joined the Institute in 2021 after serving as a Geography and Rural Skills teacher at Falkirk Council, where he also held the position of Faculty Head for Social Subjects and RMPS.

His professional distinctions include:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
• Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
• Member of the Scottish Association of Geography Teachers

Quirke's research focuses on Learning for Sustainability implementation barriers and tracking methods in Broad General Education. He actively contributes to national and international working groups related to sustainability education and geography teaching. His expertise includes developing CPD/CLPL programs in People, Place and Environment for primary and secondary educators across Scotland.

His work shows a strong trajectory toward sustainability education and international collaboration, with recent projects including the Fulbright Virtual Exchange initiative with Brandeis University and the Erasmus+ Island Schools project connecting European island communities around sustainability challenges.

His notable recognition includes:

• Fulbright Global Challenges Teaching Award: Climate Change (2024)

As an educator, Quirke leads the Strathclyde Institute of Education Sustainable Development Group, serves as a Climate Fresk facilitator through the StrathCAN network, and co-convener of the Strathclyde Children and Young People Sustainability Network. He provides Masters and undergraduate dissertation supervision while pursuing his own EdD research on urban public spaces and adolescent wellbeing.