At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project to empower future teachers through creative teaching methods.
- Company: Arts Council of Wales, leading innovative educational research.
- Benefits: Collaborate internationally, gain valuable experience, and contribute to meaningful change in education.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of teaching in Wales and beyond.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on teacher training and inspire the next generation of educators.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and creativity; no specific experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Arts Council of Wales is supporting a new international research project, Empowering pre-service teachers through collective creative pedagogies led by Dr Lisa Stephenson, Carnegie School of Education, Leeds Beckett University with partners across eight universities worldwide, including Swansea University. Project partners are working together to design and test creative ways of teaching that help new teachers develop social-emotional understanding, ethical awareness and confidence in their practice.
For Arts Council of Wales, this work builds directly on its Creative Learning Cymru programme; innovative national pathways that use the arts to support teaching across all subjects, from maths and science to numeracy and citizenship. Since 2015, Creative Learning Cymru has collaborated with over 90% of schools in Wales; engaged almost 400,000 learners; trained over 7,600 teaching professionals and almost 4,000 creative professionals.
International research from the project consortium shows that trainee teachers often lack confidence in their creativity, mirroring a wider loss of identity in the teaching profession. This project is designed to help rebuild both. By embedding collective creativity into teacher education, the project aims to develop agency, resilience, and professional identity in future teachers.
The programme emphasises that creativity is not an add-on—it is a mindset that helps teachers engage learners in meaningful, authentic ways, boosting engagement and outcomes. This approach aligns with Welsh Government priorities and supports national policy ambitions for education.
This three-year action research programme will explore and test how creative teaching methods could strengthen the social and emotional dispositions and creative pedagogies of trainee teachers—helping them to become confident, ethical, and responsive educators.
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales said: “This programme places creativity at the heart of teacher education. It ensures that future teachers across Wales and beyond are equipped with the skills, confidence, and agency to inspire learners, while strengthening the role of the arts in education at every stage.”
The project responds to urgent challenges: youth mental health, teacher recruitment and retention, and the need for stronger life skills.
Dr Lisa Stephenson, Leeds Beckett University, Principal Investigator said: “This research is desperately needed to empower our pre‑service teachers with responsive, pedagogical practices- we are extremely excited to bring international expertise together within the consortium. The project will launch a first phase of research, aiming to lay a pathway for meaningful education change in teacher education.”
It will pilot new methods in 2025–26 with Swansea University and other international partners, before expanding to all ITE providers in Wales by Year 3.
The partners involved in this important project are:
- Dr Helen Lewis (Swansea University, Wales)
- Dr Lesley Emerson (Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland)
- Dr Deirdre McGillicuddy (University College Dublin, Ireland)
- Dr Navan Govander (University of Strathclyde, Scotland)
- Miss Naomi Lord (Director, Creatives Now)
“We are thrilled to be co‑funding this pilot year of international action research. We need to be driving change at a national policy level to ensure creativity is cultivated across the curriculum; from initial teacher education to professional learning and leadership development.”
For Wales, the benefits are clear:
- Positioning Creative Learning Cymru at the forefront of global education research.
- Creating opportunities for Welsh arts professionals to co‑design and co‑deliver ITE modules, strengthening the arts and education sectors.
- Ensuring long‑term legacy, with creative practitioners embedded in teacher training across Wales.
- Informing the next phase of Creative Learning beyond 2028, supporting sustainability and impact.
Feedback from trainee teachers and their placement schools will directly shape curriculum content, initially in Expressive Arts and Health and Wellbeing, before being extended across all Areas of Learning.
Empowering Future Teachers with Creative Pedagogies in Swansea employer: arts.wales
The Arts Council of Wales is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in education. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that directly impact the future of teaching and learning across Wales. The collaborative work culture, combined with opportunities for international research partnerships, ensures that staff can grow their skills while contributing to a vital mission that enhances the role of the arts in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Empowering Future Teachers with Creative Pedagogies in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend workshops, seminars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to interview, bring examples of your creative teaching methods or projects. This will not only highlight your skills but also align perfectly with the ethos of empowering future teachers through innovative pedagogies.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your passion for teaching and creativity. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Just a few lines expressing your appreciation and reiterating your interest can make a big difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Empowering Future Teachers with Creative Pedagogies in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that relate to creative teaching.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the project’s goals of empowering future teachers through creative pedagogies. Show us why you’re a perfect fit!
Showcase Your Creativity:Since creativity is at the heart of this project, include examples of how you've used creative methods in your teaching or learning experiences. We love seeing innovative ideas and approaches that can inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at arts.wales
✨Know Your Creative Pedagogies
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in creative teaching methods. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into your practice and how they align with the goals of the project. Show that you understand the importance of creativity in education and how it can enhance social-emotional learning.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented creative strategies in teaching. Whether it's a unique lesson plan or a collaborative project, having concrete examples will demonstrate your capability and confidence in using creative pedagogies.
✨Engage with the Project's Vision
Research the Arts Council of Wales and their Creative Learning Cymru programme. Understand their mission and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. This shows genuine interest and commitment to the role and the project's objectives.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the project and its impact on teacher education. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your critical thinking skills. Asking about future developments or challenges the project might face can set you apart as a candidate who is truly invested in the role.
