Lecturer in PE and School Sport Hartpury University United Kingdom
Evaluation of Bethany Jane Smith for the Research for Best Researcher Award
Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Academic and Professional Background: Bethany Jane Smith holds an MA in Professional Education Practice and a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, showcasing her strong academic foundation. Her education is complemented by numerous sports qualifications, including UEFA B and FA Secondary Teachers Award, which highlight her dedication to the sports education field.
- Research Contributions: Bethany has contributed to academic research, evidenced by her latest peer-reviewed publication in Professional Development in Education. This publication underscores her involvement in significant educational research, specifically in teacher development.
- Practical Experience and Leadership: Bethany’s employment history demonstrates a strong blend of academic and practical experience. Her roles as a UEFA C Coach Developer, FA Coach Mentor, and Lecturer at Hartpury University involve leadership, mentoring, and teaching, aligning with her research interests. These roles reflect her ability to translate research into practice, an essential quality for a researcher.
- Commitment to Professional Development: Bethany has continuously pursued professional development, earning certifications and taking on leadership roles, such as Course Manager for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport. Her achievements, including being named Sportswoman of the Year at Plymouth Marjon University, further emphasize her dedication and recognition in her field.
Areas for Improvement
- Focus on Research Output: While Bethany has a solid foundation in education and professional practice, her research output could be expanded. Increasing the number of peer-reviewed publications, particularly in high-impact journals, would strengthen her profile as a researcher.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Bethany’s work is primarily focused on sports coaching and physical education. Engaging in interdisciplinary research, particularly in areas such as sports psychology or education technology, could broaden her impact and demonstrate versatility as a researcher.
- Global Impact and Collaboration: Participating in international research collaborations and projects could enhance her visibility and influence in the global research community. This would also offer opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and methodologies.
Conclusion
Bethany Jane Smith is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of sports education and coaching. Her strong academic background, practical experience, and leadership roles make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. However, to further bolster her candidacy, increasing her research output and expanding her work into interdisciplinary and international arenas would be beneficial. With these improvements, Bethany has the potential to significantly contribute to her field and gain broader recognition as a leading researcher.
Bethany Jane Smith is a passionate educator, coach, and mentor in the sports sector, with a deep commitment to developing holistic learners. Her dedication to fostering growth in both education and sports is evident in her extensive experience working with a diverse range of learners. Bethany’s approach is rooted in empathy, patience, and resilience, driving her to continually refine best practices in her field. Currently based in Gloucester, she is a recognized leader in professional teacher development within universities, with a strong focus on enhancing the effectiveness of educational practices.
Profile
ORCiD
Education 🎓
Bethany Jane Smith holds an MA in Professional Education Practice from Plymouth Marjon University, where she also earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, specializing in Secondary Physical Education with PSHE and SEND Enhancement, achieving a distinction. Her academic journey began with a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, where she graduated with First Class Honors. Bethany’s education was further enriched by her roles as a course representative and her in-depth study of inclusive classroom practices, professional development, and sports science.
Experience 💼
Bethany has a wealth of experience in the education and sports sectors. Currently, she serves as a UEFA C Coach Developer at The Football Association, where she supports learners in achieving their coaching qualifications. Additionally, she mentors coaches within the Women’s and Girls’ divisions, ensuring best practices are upheld. Her role as an Academy Coach at Hartpury College allows her to design and deliver sessions that develop holistic players, while her position as a Lecturer at Hartpury University involves creating high-quality teaching materials and managing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Previously, Bethany was a Lecturer in Sport and Public Services at West Kent College, where she also served as a Course Manager.
Research Interest 🔍
Bethany’s research interests are centered around professional teacher development, particularly within the university setting. She is dedicated to exploring what makes teacher development effective and how educational practices can be improved to foster better learning outcomes. Her work is informed by her practical experience in coaching and education, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Awards 🏆
Bethany has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. She was elected as the Course Manager for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport in 2019 and was named Sportswoman of the Year at Plymouth Marjon University in 2018. Her leadership roles include serving as the Devon FA Project Officer for the Youth Council and captain of various BUCS Ladies sports teams.
Publications 📚
Bethany’s latest peer-reviewed publication is titled “What makes professional teacher development in universities effective? Lessons from an international systematised review,” co-authored with L. Wyness. Published in 2024 in the journal Professional Development in Education, this paper delves into the key factors that contribute to effective teacher development. Read the publication here