Doctor Miranda Dodd

Primary English, including reading, writing and language development

Primary Geography, including sustainability

Primary Art

Culture, diversity and ethos in classrooms

Synoptic assessment and development of academic skills

Academic Integrity

Mental health and wellbeing of teachers

Before joining Southampton Education School in September 2012, Miranda enjoyed teaching in primary schools in Hertfordshire and Dorset for over 20 years. Her roles included Leader of Learning for Key Stage 1 and Early Years, Base Leader at a multi-site school, Deputy Head and Acting Head. She lead on a range of areas in school, focusing principally on English; Music; Assessment and Research, Enquiry and Innovation. She taught across the primary age range. Miranda taught on the EDA International Summer School for overseas teachers for several years, leading courses on Key Stage 1; Early Literacy; Phonics; and Teaching, Learning and Assessment. She has always been fascinated by children’s early reading and writing, basing her Masters research at the University of Southampton on children’s spelling and the influences of stories they have heard on their writing. She was a Consultant Leading Teacher (specialising in Literacy) and LA Moderator at Key Stage 1 for Dorset.

Miranda was a member of the National Teacher Research Panel and through this and her PhD work became interested in how to help teachers engage in and with research in ways that are both manageable and relevant to them. She ran a pupil research group in school, exploring learning and reading. She currently teaches on the Primary PGCE, focusing principally on English and Phonics, the BSc in Education Studies and supervises Masters and PhD students. She has a particular interest in the teaching of spelling and is currently working with a group of local teachers to develop practice in this area. She has a strong interest in helping students and staff understand academic integrity and how to develop skills of good academic practice, including experimenting with teaching methods such as the use of online games.