About

I am a trained American elementary education teacher with a specialism in Science and Creative Arts. My Master's Degree is as a Reading Specialist. I am a passionate leader who is self-motivated and confident. I have a rich background in education which has given me extensive knowledge and experience of how to support learners in their early years through to university level. I have taught in higher education since 2009.  I have been successful in creating democratic and empowering experiences in vibrant learning environments in which learners can realise their potential.

Teaching responsibilities

• Research Methods for Educational Research

• The Science of Learning and the Art of Teaching

• Understanding Childhood

• Children's Worksforce Development

Professional interests

I graduated from the University of Michigan in the United States with a B.A. Education degree and a teaching qualification to teach kindergarten to fifth grade. While teaching full-time, I gained my Master's degree as a Reading Specialist from Eastern Michigan University where I learned to assess and diagnose learning disabilities in reading.  I taught elementary school for eight years before moving overseas to teach at an international primary school just outside of London. These experiences have piqued my interest in a multitude of areas such as international and comparative education, alternative forms of education, the psychology of learning and social development throughout life, understanding and managing behaviour in a learning environment as well as Joint Honours Students' experiences and learning in Higher Education.

Research interests

I am currently working on investigating perceptions of early years in the sector as a means to promote the professional profiles of stakeholders. 

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Member of the National Association of Disability Practitioners

Qualifications

• BA Education with a qualification in Elementary Education- graduated with Honors, University of Michigan
• MA Education with a qualification as a Reading Specialist- graduated with Distinction, Eastern Michigan University
• Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education

Experience in industry

• Elementary School teacher from 2000-2007 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
• Elementary School teacher from 2007-2008 in Surrey, United Kingdom
• FE College Skills for Life teacher in 2008-2009 in Kent, United Kingdom Senior Lecturer 2009- present in Derby, United Kingdom
• Senior Lecturer 2009- present

International experience

Taught grades K-5 from 1999-2007 in the United States

Recent publications

• Appleby, M., Oates, R., Sanders, A. & Sedgwick, R. (2011) Consultancy for Evaluation of Parenting Courses. Derby
• Appleby,M.(2013)The Nature of Practitioner Research: Critical distance, power and ethics. Practitioner Research in Higher Education, Vol 7 (1) pages 11-21.
• Appleby, M. (2014)Chapter 13: Education in the United States of America in Brown, M. and White, J. (Eds)Exploring Childhood in a Comparative Context: An introductory guide for students. Abingdon: Routledge.
• Appleby, M. (2015) What are the benefits of interdisciplinary study. Available from: http://www.open.edu/openlearn/education/what-are-the-benefits-interdisciplinary-study
• Appleby, M. (2023) Chapter 13: : Working With Parents, Carers And Families In The Early Years in Owen, K. & Barnes, C. (Eds.) (2023) Family Relationships in the Early Years. London: Sage.