NAWE Committee Profiles
Chair: Maggie Butt
I
am passionate about the unique importance of NAWE as an organisation
which represents writers across the educational spectrum. If
re-elected I would drive forward projects which further strengthen our
ties. I have been Chair since 2007, was vice-chair from 2003-5 and was
a founder member of the HE committee. I am also head of the Media
department at Middlesex University, where I teach Creative Writing. I
am an ex journalist and BBC TV producer, and also a poet. I would bring
a range of leadership, management and communication skills into my work
as Chair.
Vice-Chair: Nigel McLoughlin
I
am a published writer who has been teaching Creative Writing for
fifteen years. I have a broad spectrum of experience having taught
adults at all levels from community writers’ groups to PhD students. I
understand the challenges faced by writers, teachers and students, at
all levels in the discipline. I have served on the Management and HE
committees for three years, during which time many positive changes
have come about. I’d like to continue to serve the organisation as Vice
Chair as it cements its role as the national professional and subject
association for all creative writers in education.
Primary Education: Liz Cashdan
My
first introduction to primary schools was as a tutor on the B.Ed.
course at Bretton Hall. After that I started going into primary schools
as a writer (eg. the Joe Feiweles Bursary in Wakefield, the G and I
scheme in Sheffield, week long residencies in Rotherham). Most recently
was the Road Safety and Poetry scheme for year 5 in Sheffield. I run a
WEA course for adults called Writing for Children. As I also have
experience in secondary schools and HE I can hopefully see both
similarities and differences in the teaching of creative writing across
the age spectrum.
Secondary Education: Jane Bluett
I
have been a member of NAWE for nearly ten years and have contributed to
conferences and to Writing in Education. I am a teacher of A Level
English and a member of NATE, (Post-16 Committee and Assistant
Treasurer of the Management Committee). As a writer and poet working in
Education I believe strongly in the active involvement of teachers in
the writing process. At present I am undertaking a PhD in Creative
Writing (Poetry) at NTU. I am also a moderator for A-Level Original
Writing. Writing in education is central to my work and I welcome the
opportunity to contribute more fully to the work of NAWE.
Further Education (position vacant)
Higher Education: Keith Jebb
I
have been Course Leader at Beds for six years, rewriting and
revisioning the course in that time. I believe strongly in a diversity
of approach, covering CW courses based in English, the Creative Arts
and Media. I see that diversity as a strength, giving students the
chance to chose the type of course that suits them best. I beleve in
high standards, but not standardization. I have first-hand experience
of the ongoing debate regarding practice-based research in the Creative
Arts and Media. I want universities and funding bodies to fully
acknowledge our contribution as writers to the research community.
Adult and Continuing Education: Patricia Debney
I
have taught in all sectors, having experience (in addition to HE) in
Adult/CE and Community work in particular. As a creative writing
educator with 17 years’ experience, a BA from the US and an MA from
Britain (both in creative writing), I bring a broad knowledge and
understanding of the teaching of writing to the post. First a sessional
teacher, now a principle/senior lecturer, I have designed and delivered
programmes and modules across the sector. My creative work spans
poetry, prose and performance, all of which inform my deep
understanding of practice. Above all, I am passionately committed to
furthering writing in education.
Writing & Community: Patrick Wildgust
I
work in a museum dedicated to promoting the works of the writer
Laurence Sterne and this brings me into contact with a wide range of
individuals and organisations. Exhibitions and events in connection
with the printed word are a regular feature of the museum's programme
and these often offer residencies to artists and writers. The work with
primary and secondary schools keeps me in contact with current trends
and practices and has been welcomed by both parents and teachers. I
would be happy to be involved in the continued development of NAWE
General (Open) Category: Graeme Harper
Passionate about Creative Writing in Education, I naturally bring
expertise as a writer - my latest novels (as Brooke Biaz), being Camera
Phone and Moon Dance; my latest critical work being The Creative
Writing Guidebook. A Professor and Honorary Professor, I’m
additionally an Honorary Professor internationally. I hold doctorates
in Creative Writing from UTS and UEA, and have a keen interest in
postgraduate work. Enjoying making links for creative writers as a
Fellow of a number of organisations, including the Royal Society of
Arts, I am a winner of Book Council and other awards. I have
considerable knowledge of HE funding.