Simi is a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at the University Of Wolverhampton. This role includes teaching across all routes in Primary Education, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and she specialises in Primary science. Simi is the cluster leader for science and oversees the science provision and assessment across all routes in Primary Education. She is the module leader for the BA module ‘An Introduction to Primary Science’ and also oversees and teaches on PGCE science module. In addition to this she has also taught on other subject modules including maths, geography, English, learning outside the classroom and Professional Studies.

Simi is the Inclusion lead for the School of Education and is passionate about anti-racism. She has led on anti-racism awareness for Primary student teachers, Secondary student teachers and facilitated staff development in this area.

Simi is currently studying for her doctorate with a focus on the B.A.M.E award gap and student perceptions on race, racism and academic and placement success. Her chosen methodology for her research is Critical Race Theory.

Simi is an Associate Lecturer for the University of Derby and teaches on the iPGCE. She has also supported with primary science and coaching for students in preparation for the Early Career Teacher Framework.

Anti-racism

Whiteness

Critical Race Theory

The BAME award gap

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Primary Science

Coaching for the professional development of teachers and student teachers

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Association of Science Education (ASE)

• Professional Doctorate, EdD (Presently studying) University of Wolverhampton
• PGCert in Higher Education and Professional Practice (2016) University of Wolverhampton
• MA Education Management and Leadership (2015) Nottingham Trent University
• BEd (Hons) Primary Education (1992) University of Derby

McConnell, S. (2020) The rise of the anti-racist teacher. Primary First (29) pp. 36-39.

Conference Presentation

McConnell, S. & Smith, M. (2021) Memoranda of Understanding: A gateway to inequality? Report presented at the Education Research Conference, University of Wolverhampton.

2012 Sept – Current: Senior Lecturer in Primary Initial Teacher Education. University of Wolverhampton

October 2019 – Current: Associate Lecturer. University of Derby.

April – July 2018 – 1 day/week – Village Primary School – Year 5

2012 – 2013 – Science Lecturer: Nottingham City Primary SCiTT

2005 – 2012 – Chellaston Junior School: Advanced Skills Teacher – All KS2 year groups

2004 – 2005 – Firs Estate: Geography Co-ordinator – Year 5/6

1995 – 2004 - Robert Shaw Primary: Science Co-ordinator – All KS2 year groups

1994 – 1995 – Roxbourne Middle school: Science Co-ordinator – Year 6 & 7

1992 – 1994 – Willow Tree Primary School – Year 6

Vice – Chair of Governors, Cherry Tree Hill Primary School, Derby (2015 – present day)