Sam Parkes University of Chichester, UK

Previously allergic to the subject, Sam Parkes became a primary mathematics subject leader during her fourth year of teaching and has gradually fallen in love with the teaching of maths since that point – a 180-degree turn! She is currently a Senior Lecturer and Primary Maths Specialist working as part of the ITE department at the University of Chichester. She teaches on the primary undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, is Deputy Programme Leader for the PGCE (Primary) and works with a wide range of schools to support improvements in maths, with both the University's Academy Trust and local school partners. Her research interests include collaborative professional development, leading and managing sustainable change and developing inclusive community cultures, advocating for the empowerment and autonomy of teachers across the profession.