Anna Lise Gordon

National Teaching Fellow 2012 Following a varied career as Head of Languages in schools in inner London and Surrey, Anna Lise Gordon moved to an advisory role for an Education Authority, working with a large number of primary and secondary schools in relation to modern language (ML) curriculum development. Anna Lise joined St Mary's University College in 1998 as a senior lecturer in education with specific responsibility for the ML PGCE course. In particular, she has a keen interest in promoting innovative practice in cross-curricular work with colleagues, trainee teachers and partnership schools. As PGCE programme director, Anna Lise has led several initiatives, aimed at providing personalised support and challenge for trainee teachers, as well as developing their skills as reflective practitioners. She has co-authored a number of French and German course books, including one publication which was awarded the Times Educational Supplement School Textbook of the Year. More recently, she has written an interactive series of online activities for teachers to enhance creativity in ML teaching. Anna Lise is strongly committed to professional learning communities, both as an essential part of her own professional development and as a contribution to wider learning and teaching. For example, she is a member of the executive council of the Association for Language Learning (ALL), seeking to support and promote modern languages nationally. She is a member of the Teaching Agencys Languages Reference Group and ALLs special interest group on initial teacher education. Anna Lise plays an active part in a local network of primary and secondary schools which produces materials and guidance for ML teachers. She values her involvement as a coach as part of St Mary's University Colleges coaching strategy for all staff. Her MA in Education focused on the importance of effective mentoring for trainee teachers - collaboration with school-based mentors to enhance provision for trainee teachers continues to be a significant part of her work. Anna Lise is currently working towards a Professional Doctorate in Education, exploring the impact of resilience on the professional development of early career teachers.