Mari Jo Valentine

About

I began my working life as a disillusioned art school graduate and entered teaching as a stepping stone to art therapy. However, I realised that I had found my passion in education and now hold my current role as Professional Lead for Teacher Education Partnerships. 

I originally joined Kingston in 2011 as a member of the Primary Mathematics team. My mission was, and still is, to develop students' mathematical confidence and creativity, exploring personal and teacher identity within this subject. I work with both BA and PG students, in particular at Level 6 and Level 7 in the PG programme and am part of the Mathematics SiG group. I also teach Art to Primary students from Level 4 - Level 7. 

I am committed to ensuring a high-quality, student experience and educating the teachers of the future, ensuring that student voice is heard and acted on, with particular focus on Inclusion; supporting students with specific learning needs during placements and working with groups to improve curriculum and placement experiences. 

I work closely with Course Leads across the PGCE and BA courses to strategically develop Partnership within our local community. I am a regional ITTAG chair which allows me to work at a national and regional level, meeting regularly with the DfE and other ITE providers to ensure the success of the Initial Teacher Education courses we offer. I am a member of the UCET Assembly and the Chartered College of Teaching. I also co-chair the Pan London Initial Teacher Education Network, working with other London teacher training providers to ensure parity and equity for partner schools with regards to DfE mentor training requirements.