About Dr Leslie Burns
I'm an advocate of lifelong learning and continuing professional development. I have several interests, primarily Special Educational Needs and inclusive education. I'm also interested in local and international independent learning and helping to develop and support trainee teachers and those commencing careers in teaching.
Teaching and supervision
My background is in UK secondary education (ages 11-18). I initially trained as a chemistry/science teacher, then science coordinator. I then migrated into Special Education Needs and Disabilities and Social Emotional Behavioural Difficulties. I've held senior management positions in several schools and I eventually moved to a local authority in the behaviour support service.
During my time in secondary and SEND education, I mentored trainee teachers across both types of schools and this was the beginning of my involvement in Initial Teacher Training. I've also developed PCET initial teacher training across a local authority.
I'm the Programme Leader for the PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL) course and Module Leader for SENM03 and SENM04.
As well as this, I'm one of many staff that are Personal Academic Tutors for our trainees on the PGCE Education (DL) course.
I've also taught on the on-campus MA Education, as the module leader for Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties.