LEC Fellows
NEW: A vision for education and skills at Newcastle University: Education for Life 2030+
Supporting Curriculum Transformation
The Leading Edge Curriculum (LEC) Fellows bring together experienced educators from across the University to support the design and delivery of the Leading Edge Curriculum and help realise our shared ambitions for learning and teaching.
Working alongside the Curriculum Transformation Team and Learning and Teaching Development Service (LTDS), Fellows provide academic leadership, practical insight and peer support throughout programme redesign and delivery. Drawing on their experience of teaching, curriculum development and educational leadership, they help programme teams navigate opportunities and challenges, translate ideas into practice, and develop programmes that are innovative, inclusive and academically rigorous.
Since January 2026, the Fellows have been helping to shape programme redesign, developing practical resources, piloting new approaches and creating opportunities for colleagues to learn from one another as the Leading Edge Curriculum takes shape.
Meet the LEC Design Fellows
LEC Design Fellows work directly with programme teams undertaking curriculum transformation. Acting as academic critical friends, they provide support and constructive challenge throughout the redesign process, helping teams create coherent, engaging and deliverable programmes.
Working alongside the Curriculum Transformation Team, they contribute expertise in areas such as programme structure, learning outcomes, curriculum alignment, programme-focused assessment and implementation planning.
- Dr Emma Black, (Lecturer, School of Medicine)
- Dr Jennifer Warrender, (Lecturer, School of Computing)
- Dr JC Penet, (Reader, School of Modern Languages)
Meet the LEC Education Fellows
LEC Education Fellows work in partnership with LTDS to strengthen pedagogic leadership across key areas of learning and teaching. Through scholarship, practical experience and collaboration, they help develop resources, facilitate professional conversations and support colleagues as programmes move from design into delivery.
Alongside supporting curriculum transformation, Education Fellows help identify emerging priorities, develop practical resources and create opportunities for colleagues to learn from and with one another.
- Dr Alison Graham, Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine
- Dr Amy Proctor, Senior Lecturer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Dr David Grundy, Senior Lecturer, Newcastle University Business School
- Jonathan Ward, Senior Lecturer, School of Arts and Cultures
- Dr Scott Walker, Lecturer, School of Medicine
- Dr Bethany Usher, Senior Lecturer, School of Arts and Cultures
- Dr Chris Leyland, Senior Lecturer, School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences
- Dr Sophie Hill, Lecturer, School of Medicine
- Linda Jose, Lecturer, School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences
- Dr Matt Bawn, Senior Lecturer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Exploring key themes through Communities of Practice
The Communities of Practice are at the heart of the LEC Fellows' work. Bringing together colleagues from across faculties and disciplines, they provide opportunities to share expertise, disseminate effective practice, co-create resources, develop case studies and explore approaches that support the delivery of the Leading Edge Curriculum.
Each community is led by LEC Fellows with specialist knowledge and a shared commitment to inclusive, research-informed learning and teaching. Together, they are helping to build a collaborative network that supports curriculum transformation and the ongoing enhancement of educational practice across the University.
Join a Community of Practice
Each Community of Practice has a dedicated Teams channel within the Newcastle Educators Team, providing a digital space for colleagues to connect, share ideas, access resources and contribute to ongoing discussions.
Colleagues are welcome to join any community that aligns with their interests or area of practice. To join, simply follow the relevant Teams channel link below or contact one of the community leads.
Resources, outputs and updates from the Communities of Practice will be shared through Newcastle Educators, the Learning and Teaching@Newcastle Blog, and the Leading Edge Curriculum pages of this website.
Assessment and Feedback Futures
Exploring approaches to assessment and feedback that support learning, develop feedback literacy and create meaningful opportunities for students to demonstrate achievement.
Community leads
- Dr Sophie Hill
- Dr Alison Graham
- Dr Bethany Usher
Teaching Approaches
Exploring active, inclusive and research-informed approaches to teaching and learning that support student engagement and success.
Community Leads
- Dr Christopher Leyland
- Dr Amy Proctor
- Dr Scott Walker
Learning partnerships and co-creation
Exploring approaches that strengthen collaboration with students and external partners, helping to create authentic, engaging and impactful educational experiences.
Community leads
- Linda Jose
- Jonathan Ward
Digital Education and AI
Exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and supporting colleagues to make informed decisions about their use in learning and teaching.
Community Leads
- Dr David Grundy
- Dr Matt Bawn
What you can expect
Over the coming months, the Fellows will be contributing to:
- Workshops and webinars focused on Leading Edge Curriculum priorities
- Practical resources, toolkits and implementation guides
- Networking opportunities through the Communities of Practice
- Case studies and examples of effective practice from across the University
- Support for both curriculum redesign and programme development
Together, these activities will help build confidence, capability and connections across our learning and teaching community.
Find out more
Follow our blog to read about Fellows' activity, Join Newcastle Educators for announcements on upcoming events and use the links above to join the Communities of Practice.
For general questions about the LEC Fellow roles please contact:
- Professor Rene Koglbauer – LEC Fellow Academic Lead
- Emma McCulloch – LEC Fellow Professional Services Lead