Jane Essex

Jane taught chemistry and science in comprehensive schools in England for 16 years before moving into higher education. She is currently a reader (associate professor) at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. Her main work is in the field of initial teacher education. Her research focus is inclusion in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and her work considers how STEM can be made accessible to all learners. Her particular focus is on those with additional support needs (ASN)/ special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) but she is also interested in promoting access to STEM by other marginalised groups. She is an active member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and serves on the committee of the Glasgow and West of Scotland local section and having been chair of the chemistry education research group. She was awarded the RSC Inclusion and Diversity Award in 2019.

She has recently published her first book, Inclusive and Accessible Secondary Science: How to Teach Science Effectively to Students with Additional or Special Needs. Outside work, Jane enjoys industrial archaeology, especially visiting historic sites. She also sings in her local choir and is hoping to persuade them to add Tom Lehrer’s elements song to their programme.