A trailblazing headteacher and author has been awarded an honorary fellowship by the University of Cumbria in recognition of her outstanding contributions to teacher education.
A short spell as a learning support assistant inspired Amanda Wilson to train as a teacher, specialising in computing, thanks to her undergraduate degree. She was offered a place to study a Postgraduate Certificate of Education at the Urban Studies Centre in 2000.
The Urban Studies Centre in London opened in 1973. St Martin’s College joined the centre in 1976, laying the foundations for the University of Cumbria’s London campus, which still provides teacher training.
Amanda, a headteacher in London, returned to the University of Cumbria in 2023 to deliver a keynote speech at the university’s 50-year celebration of teacher education in East London where she highlighted her belief in the importance of visibility and mentorship for Black educators.
Brian Webster-Henderson OBE is Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Cumbria.
He said: “It is for her outstanding contribution to teacher education, leadership and role modelling that I, on behalf of the University Board, have great pleasure in presenting Amanda Wilson to receive an Honorary Fellowship.
“She has demonstrated significant vision and dedication and is an inspiration to a new generation of black headteachers. It is therefore immensely important that we should honour a proud individual who offers such a range of experience and expertise.”
