Professor Mark Priestley

Professor

Education University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA

Professor Mark Priestley

About me

I am Professor of Education and the Director of the Stirling Centre for Research into Curriculum Making (see https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/social-sciences/our-research/research-groups/stirling-centre-for-research-into-curriculum-making/).

I started my career in education as a teacher of History, working in a number of secondary schools in England and New Zealand, where I also taught Geography, RE, Humanities and Social Studies. In New Zealand, I was the Coordinating Lecturer of Christchurch College of Education's Nelson campus from January 1999 until June 2000. Since arriving at the former School of Education at Stirling in 2001, I have taken on a number of roles. I was Deputy Dean/Deputy Head of School from 2014-2018, Director of Initial Teacher Education between 2004 and 2007, and Director of the First Year Educational Studies Programme between 2009 and 2011. I have also undertaken several external roles, including: 

-Scottish Government: member of the Curriculum and Assessment Board (2017-present) -Scottish Government: member of the Scottish Education Council (2021-present) -Welsh Government: member of the Curriculum and Assessment Group (2016-present) -Scottish Government: member of the National Improvement Strategic Group (2016-2017) -Curriculum Journal: Lead Editor (2018-2024) -Scottish Educational Review: Editor (2007-2010); Chair of the Editorial Board (2011-2014).  -British Educational Research Association (BERA): Co-opted Council member (2013-2017); Chair of the Academic Publications Committee (2014-2017).  -Scottish Educational Research Association (SERA): Co-opted member of the Executive Committee (2013-2015).   -Curriculum Inquiry: Member of the International Editorial Board (2015-present)  -European Educational Research Association: Co-Convenor of Network 3, Curriculum Innovation (2014-present).  -Scottish Graduate School of Social Science: DTC Education Pathway Convenor (2014-present). 

External examining: -UCL/IoE MA in Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy (2016-present); -University of Edinburgh MSc Education and MSc Educational Research (2012-2015);
-Doctoral external examiner (including University of Glasgow, University of Ulster, Newcastle University, Lancaster University, University of Edinburgh, University of Auckland, University of Oslo, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Trinity College Dublin). 

In relation to Doctoral supervision, I welcome inquires relating to the area of curriculum studies: curriculum theory, curriculum policy, curriculum development.

Follow my blog at http://mrpriestley.wordpress.com/  Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/markrpriestley.bsky.social

Award

BERA Academic Citizen of the Year
British Educational Research Association
https://www.bera.ac.uk/…izen-of-the-year
The BERA Academic Citizen of the Year is an award intended to recognise a colleague working in educational research who has made a significant contribution to the discipline as a whole and the academic community through their academic citizenship over the past academic year. We are proud to announce that Professor Mark Priestley has been named the BERA Academic Citizen of the Year for 2024. This award recognises his dedication to academic citizenship and his significant contributions to the educational community, both in the UK and internationally. Professor Priestley’s leadership in the academic community is exemplified by his roles as Director of Research in the Education Division at the University of Stirling and Director of the Stirling Centre for Research into Curriculum Making (SCRCM). He has played a pivotal role in enhancing the profile of The Curriculum Journal during his six-year tenure as Lead Editor, where he introduced the ‘Curriculum in Professional Practice’ forum. This initiative fosters meaningful dialogue among educators, policymakers, and professionals, helping to connect academic research with practical applications in curriculum design and implementation. His commitment to academic service extends to several key professional organisations. Professor Priestley has served as Co-Convenor of the European Educational Research Association’s Network 3 (Curriculum Innovation) for a decade, and as a member of the General Assembly of the International Assembly for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies. He is also actively involved in the Scottish Education Council and serves on the Advisory Board for the UCL Centre for Teaching and Research. Professor Priestley is not only a leader in formal academic settings but also a strong advocate for community engagement. Through the SCRCM, he has facilitated numerous seminars and webinars, reaching over 600 participants from schools, colleges, universities, policy, and third sector organisations. His efforts ensure that the benefits of academic work are shared broadly and contribute to ongoing professional development across the educational landscape. He has completed 12 doctoral students and continues to support 7 others. Congratulations to Professor Priestley on receiving the BERA Academic Citizen of the Year award and we look forward to witnessing his continued contributions to the field of education.


Community Contribution

Member of the Scottish Education Council

Member of the Scottish Government Curriculum and Assessment Board,

Member of the Welsh Government Curriculum and Assessment Expert Group


Event / Presentation

Curriculum development in Europe – what we can learn from other countries
Invited keynote for the National Education Institute of Slovenia – Curriculum development in Europe – what we can learn from other countries (February 2024)

Curriculum making across education systems: the value of diverse voices.
European Educational Research Association (EERA)
Priestley, M. (2023). Curriculum making across education systems: the value of diverse voices. Keynote at the annual European Conference on Educational Research, 25 August 2023, Glasgow, UK.

Curriculum making and teacher agency: a question of balance
Priestley, M. (2023). Curriculum making and teacher agency: a question of balance. Keynote at the annual Onderwijs Research Dagen conference, 5 July 2023, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.


Other Academic Activities

Teachers as Curriculum Makers: an essential ingredient in a successful system
https://dimensies.nu/uitgesproken-november-2023/
Dimiensies, Netherlands, feature article in journal, based on an interview - Teachers as Curriculum Makers: an essential ingredient in a successful system


Research centres/groups