Before joining UEL full time in June 2009, I taught children across the primary age range at schools in the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge. I have been school subject co-ordinator for ICT and science, and have co-ordinated assessment processes and developments. I have worked as an Assistant and Acting Deputy Head Teacher and I am currently vice-chair of governors at Towers Junior School, Havering, and a Local Authority governor for Essex.

• Initial Teachers’ ICT Subject Knowledge
• Primary PGCE Quality Assurance
• ITT Curriculum Development
• Professional Tutor
• IT Key User Liaison

I am studying for a Doctor of Education, currently focusing on the methodology and methods utilised by studies relating to the impact of educational initiatives.

My interest in computers and programming was born in the autumn of 1981, during the start of the microcomputer revolution, when I chose to lose a game of virtual chess to a friend’s Commodore VIC-20. Some years later I began providing IT support for companies and working on web development projects as the dot-com bubble rose… In schools I have overseen IT training for staff and the installation of interactive whiteboards, visualisers and wireless networks.

Between 2002 and 2006 I worked with the Training and Development Agency (TDA) on the initial diversity consultation for supporting NQTs, and sat on the steering committee of Multiverse.

• Primary PGCE

• Managing Professional Change and Development (Module Leader)
• Critical Incidents in Teaching
• Learning, Teaching and Effective Pedagogy Across the Curriculum - ICT
• Developing Understanding and Skills in English
• School-Based Learning and Every Child Matters

• Ayres, D. (2013) Review of The Adventurous School, by Reed, J et al. Management in Education, 27(1), pp. 43-44.
• Ayres, D. (ed.) (2012) The Primary PGCE Professional Studies Reader. London: Sage
• UEL ‘LEO’ (Learning Enhancement Opportunity) funded research: ‘The Impact of Collaborative Technology on the learning of intending teachers.’
• Primary PGCE trainees’ perceptions of collaborative placements.

• Fellow - Higher Education Academy
• Member - National College of School Leadership
• Contributor - The Amazing Web2.0 Project Book, Terry Freedman
• Project review - Primary ICT: pedagogy and practice, Dr Gary Beauchamp, Pearson

Conferences and seminars

Cass Research & Knowledge Exchange, To what extent can tablet computers improve a Professional Tutor’s effectiveness and trainee’s placement experience? (May 2012)

Doctorate of Education Programme, Using collaborative technologies to support research activities. (July 2011)

Wellington College Festival of Education, Discussion on Behaviour and Learning. (June 2011)