The University of Aberdeen’s School of Education received a boost last month when Professor Lani Florian took up her new post as Professor of Social and Educational Inclusion.
She joins Professor Martyn Rouse, who was appointed in October '06, to work on the Inclusive Practice Project - a new £1.4m initiative funded by the Scottish Executive to develop ways of training teachers to help children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties.
Previously at the University of Cambridge, Professor Florian has also worked at the University of Maryland, and as a legislative assistant in the United States Senate. Her arrival in Aberdeen earlier this term coincided with the publication of a significant new research-based book, The SAGE Handbook of Special Education, which she edited.
Described by distinguished educationalists as "…a formidable handbook of current thinking about special needs education in the English-speaking world," and, "…a crucial resource for improving teaching practice and the preparation of teachers for the benefit of all learners," the handbook will be a core resource for many of the award-bearing courses in inclusive practice in the School of Education.
"The Project aims to transform teacher education and continuing professional development for teachers," said Professor Martyn Rouse. "These new approaches are designed to enable teachers and schools to create learning environments where all children including those with disabilities and difficulties receive the support required to meet their individual needs, to develop their individual talents and to help them make the most of their education."
Two fully funded PhD studentships in Inclusive Practice have also been announced by the School of Education.
Applications are invited from well-qualified and experienced candidates who intend to register for a PhD degree to carry out research in an area associated with the project's aims. It is hoped that candidates will have completed a master's degree in a relevant field and will be available to commence the PhD by October 2007.
Successful candidates will be working with Professors Lani Florian and Martyn Rouse. For further details of the studentships contact Professor Martyn Rouse, Director of the Inclusive Practice Project, School of Education, University of Aberdeen at href="mailto:m.rouse@abdn.ac.uk">m.rouse@abdn.ac.uk</a> or Professor Lani Florian at href="mailto:l.florian@abdn.ac.uk">l.florian@abdn.ac.uk</a></p>
Application forms can be downloaded from: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/cass/graduate/admissions/index.php Completed forms should be posted to the Postgraduate Admissions Office, University Office, King's College, ABERDEEN AB24 3FX