Lecturer at LJMU scoops prestigious honour for Design and Technology education

The Design and Technology teachers of tomorrow may have a special someone to thank for inspiring them in their careers, if a special accolade awarded to an LJMU lecturer is anything to go by. 
 

Matt McLain from LJMU’s School of Education has been honoured for his achievements in teacher training at the Design and Technology Association Excellence Awards held last month.

The awards give professional recognition to individuals nominated by their colleagues for their unique work in design and technology education. Matt accepted the Teacher Training Design and Technology Award from Professor Mark Miodownik from UCL and Lesley Morris from the D&T Association at the awards dinner at the Institution of Engineering Technology in Central London.

Matt was among 24 winners on the night which saw some of the country’s most passionate and progressive educators come together and awarded for their inspirational work.

Jan Murphy, Director of Teacher Education at LJMU said: “LJMU proves once again it has some of the very best teachers in their field. It is always important that our most inspiring educators are recognised and honoured for their often world-leading work. Matt has been trailing a blaze in teacher training and education for quite some time, and inspiring many students along the way. We are delighted he has received this honour from the D&T Association for his unrivalled enthusiasm in his field while nurturing and shaping the future careers of our students.” 

Matt moved into Initial Teacher Education at LJMU in September 2009, where he currently leads postgraduate initial teacher education for Design and Technology, as well being the programme leader for all secondary programmes. Previously he taught Design and Technology in two schools in St Helens, Merseyside, specialising in Systems and Control Technology and Electronics. During this time he became an Advanced Skills Teacher and a Lead Practitioner for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. He was involved with the planning for and delivering the first year of the Engineering Diploma in St Helens. In 2011 he commenced his PhD, and is researching the values of Teachers of Design and Technology. 

In addition, Matt has also been an active member of the Design and Technology Association’s Secondary Working Group. Recently he has been involved with the development of the National Curriculum (2014), advising on non-statutory guidance for the new programmes of study and on the future of GCSE and A Level Design and Technology.