Alis Wren

My academic and professional path has consistently centred on understanding and removing barriers for marginalised learners. My expertise spans the experiences of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the social dynamics of children’s friendships, and the practicalities of supporting learners who might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream educational systems.

Before moving into higher education, I spent considerable time as an academic researcher, focusing on the impact of Teaching Assistants in schools. This research-driven foundation is complemented by my hands-on experience as a disability support assistant in both schools and colleges. These roles have given me a nuanced understanding of the challenges learners face and the importance of flexible, responsive support. 

I teach on the MA Education course here at UCB. One common misconception I encounter is that Education Studies is simply teacher training, whereas in reality, the discipline investigates the broader factors that shape educational experiences, such as why schools operate as they do, how learners develop, and the ways in which policy influences both teaching and learning.

I’m often described as enthusiastic and entertaining in the classroom, and I enjoy challenging preconceptions and encouraging students to think creatively and critically about the structures and assumptions underpinning education. My decision to join UCB was motivated by the opportunity to design a new MA programme, enabling more students to access and succeed in postgraduate study. My decade of experience in higher education and experience across a variety of settings means that I can adapt my style and resources to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. The advice I always give my students is to proofread their assignments out loud to catch errors and improve the flow. Also, try to break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks - small targets will get you a long way!