About

I am a lecturer and researcher within the Institute of Education with 15 years of experience in secondary education. During my teaching career, I taught ages 11 - 18 and held middle and senior leadership positions, including Pastoral and Inclusion Leader, ITT Coordinator, DEI Lead, and SCITT Course Leader.

In my current role, I am the Assistant Programme Leader for the Education Doctorate (EdD), teach on Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes, supervise doctoral students, and conduct research within the Inclusion and SEND Research Cluster.

My research interests include LGBTQ+ inclusion, professional identity, teacher training, social justice, safe spaces and student groups, pupil voice, minority stress, creative research methods, and critical pedagogy.

Recent publications

• Brett, A. (2025). Safe spaces and beyond: Examining the role of LGBT+ Pride Groups in fostering ontological security and allyship within UK schools. BERJ.
• Brett, A. & Lee, C. (2025). The Guide to LGBTQ+ Research. Emerald Group Publishing.
• Brett, A. (2024). Space, surveillance, and stress: a Lefebvrian analysis of heteronormative spatial production in schools, using a photo elicitation method with LGBT+ teachers. Sex Education, 1-17
• Brett, A. (2024). Unveiling heteronormativity: a visual exploration of LGBT+ teachers’ experience using photo elicitation. Sex Education, 1-17
• Brett, A., Bodfield, K., Culshaw, A., & Johnson, B. (2024). Exploring LGBTQ+ teacher professional identity through the power threat meaning framework. British Educational Research Journal, 1-17
• Brassington, J., & Brett, A. (2023). Pride & Progress: Making schools LGBT+ inclusive spaces. Sage
• Brett, A. (2022). Under the spotlight: exploring the challenges and opportunities of being a visible LGBT+ teacher. Sex Education, 1-15