About us
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The National Association for Advisers in English (NAAE) is a professional association exclusively for those who provide advice, support and training across the whole field of English and literacy education.
We believe that standards and quality in education can be improved through research and evidence-based advice, support, training, monitoring and evaluation. Our members’ aim is to make positive and significant contributions to the improvement of English-related learning and teaching in the UK and beyond.
What NAAE stands for
We work to improve educational standards through research-based support, professional networking and advocacy.
1. Classroom Practice
Advising on effective English teaching in the classroom.
2. Research & experience
Using evidence and experience to promote learning.
3. Curriculum development
Supporting rich, coherent English curricula.
4. Forums for best practice
Spaces for professionals to share and develop practice.
5. Representing members
Dialogue with associations and national agencies.
Our Committee
NAAE is led by a committee of experienced English education professionals from across the UK.
Nicola Martin
Chair
Senior Consultant for Primary English and Literacy at Lancashire Professional Development Service (LPDS) and Lead Moderator for Key Stage 2 in Lancashire, supporting schools across the North West.
Gill Fearns
Vice Chair
Director of Lancashire Research School and primary Deputy Headteacher, championing evidence-informed teaching with a focus on disadvantaged children and young people.
Angela Jenkins
Immediate Past Chair and Associate Committee Member.
Independent English consultant with 25 years across three local authorities and two MATs; co-author of Opening Doors to Ambitious Primary English and KS2 Lead Moderator.
Ruth Baker-Leask
Treasurer
Independent education consultant at Minerva Learning, former primary headteacher and LA English consultant, and Vice Chair of the English Expert Subject Advisory Group (ESAG).
Laura Spargo
Committee Member
Laura is a primary English specialist and education consultant with teaching and leadership experience across the UK, Spain and Dubai. She is passionate about helping schools create high-quality, joyful English learning where every child sees themselves as a successful reader and writer.
Chris Green
Committee Member
Director of the English & Drama faculty at The Perse School, Cambridge; Principal Examiner for A-Level English Literature and co-editor of The Use of English.
Claire McKie
Committee Member
Programme Director at the Educational Leadership Centre, Newcastle University, and founder and author of the DfE-approved Inclusive Power Phonics programme.
Rebecca Kennedy
Committee Member
Independent English consultant, associate with the Open University’s Reading for Pleasure team and reviewer for Just Imagine, specialising in children’s literature.
Laura Buczko
Committee Member
Literacy Team Leader at One Education, DfE curriculum expert for KS1 and KS2 Reading, Lead Moderator for Manchester and author for Schofield & Sims.
Committee meetings
All members are invited to the Annual General Meeting which usually takes place in September. Minutes from previous AGMs our available in the “membership only area.”