Staff profile

Rebecca Petronzi


Senior Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education and English subject leader

Profile picture taken in S tower.

Subject

Teacher Training

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Education

Department

Institute of Education

Email

r.petronzi@derby.ac.uk

About

I am a Senior Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education, teaching on both the undergraduate and postgraduate routes at the University of Derby. My core role is in the teaching of English and early reading, and I am passionate about shaping the next generation of educators. As a co-author of a series of research-informed children's books, I enjoy integrating the latest educational research into practical teaching strategies and accessible resources. 

I joined the University in September 2018 after an enjoyable career as a primary teacher, where I specialised in Early Years Foundation Stage and Physical Education. In my current role, I deliver lectures and workshops for undergraduate and postgraduate beginning teachers and provide essential support during their school placements, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the classroom.

Teaching responsibilities

I lead and teach on the English sessions for undergraduates on the BEd and MEdu programmes. My role involves supporting beginning teachers in developing their subject knowledge and pedagogies for teaching reading, writing and Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP). Our beginning teachers are also expected to develop pedagogies and strategies to support children's development in speech, language and communication- supporting their understanding in this area through workshops and tutorials. 

Alongside English, I also lead and teach on stage 4 for the M.Edu - particularly for our Curriculum Leadership and Management module. In this module, we explore a variety of leadership theories, national/international policy development and consider how to influence and evaluate change in educational settings. This module also hosts 'a Project for Change', the stage 4 school experience element. Within this, I support our students to enhance the learning and teaching in their pathway through working alongside leaders in school to address key actions and priorities. 

Currently, I am a lead mentor for our first-year students. This includes supporting the implementation of the mentor curriculum and preparing our beginning teachers for professional practice. 

Research interests

Research interests include:

 I am also active in writing blogs regarding changes to educational policy, best practices in teaching and child development.

Qualifications

Recent publications

A popup book with a pirate, treasure, and ship.

Rebecca Petronzi, English Lead for Primary Initial Teacher Education at the University of Derby, talks about World Book Day and explores the value behind the costumes and commercialisation.

A child reading a harry potter book with a head torch

Rebecca McAllister, Subject Co-ordinator for English at the University of Derby, discusses the benefits of a digital story time.