Catherine Willis

Profile

I joined the School of Education in January 2026 as a Lecturer in Primary Education. My expertise spans primary education, teacher education, and professional coaching, developed through a wide range of roles across the education sector.

I trained as a primary teacher with subject specialisms in Mathematics and Art and Design. I later held a leadership role in a large nursery and primary setting while completing an MA in Education at the University of Manchester. This experience deepened my interest in the professional learning and development of novice teachers.

Before joining the University of Leeds, I worked with Teach First as a specialist teacher educator in Early Years and Primary education at both regional and national level. In this role, I also co-led the organisation’s Transformational Coaching service, which supports the retention, wellbeing, and professional development of programme members across the country.

Research interests

• Teaching and learning pedagogy and practice
• Coaching, teacher development and wellbeing
• Early Years and Primary curriculum design
• Art and Design education in Initial Teacher Training

Qualifications

• • MA in Education, 2014, – University of Manchester
• • PGCE with QTS, 2012, – Leeds Metropolitan University
• • Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership, 2011, – University of the West of England
• • BA Fine Art / Photography & Video, 2006 – De Montfort University

Professional memberships

• • European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC)

Student education

I teach on a range of undergraduate modules across the across the School of Education as well as on the Post Graduate Certificate in Education and BA Primary Education with QTS, due to start in Sep 2026.