This session will share the findings of a collaborative research project conducted with local schools to explore how teachers are using AI to support their practice. Within this we explore how the use of AI is shaping teacher professional identity and their work. We will discuss implications for schools and teachers and consider how we maximise the parts of the job that AI cannot easily replicate.
Rachele Newman is Director of Teacher Professional Learning at Southampton Education School and the co-founder of the Education Research Practice Network (ERPN). Having been a secondary teacher for 13 years, Rachele has spent a further 15 years as a Teacher Educator holding a variety of roles including Director of Initial Teacher Education.
Rachele is particularly interested in teacher professional learning, with a focus on teacher autonomy and identity. Rachele believes strongly in the importance of teacher agency in their own development and in the power of collaboration. She co-founded the ERPN to provide a collaborative space for teachers and researchers to work together, to share knowledge and ideas and drive authentic professional learning experiences for teachers and school leaders.
Euan Douglas is a Senior Assistant Headteacher responsible for Teaching & Learning and the curriculum at Saint George Catholic College, an Outstanding comprehensive school in Southampton. Euan is a former Head of Science and a Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach). He is a member of the Ops Group as part of the Southampton Education Forum (SEF) working collaboratively with colleagues across Secondary schools, Colleges and Universities in the City to improve standards for the benefit of all of our students.
Siân Cumming is Deputy Headteacher at Upper Shirley High School, where she leads teaching and learning, CPD, and curriculum development. With two decades of experience in secondary education, she is committed to exploring how emerging technologies — particularly AI — can enhance classroom practice and support teacher workload, pedagogy and professional growth.
Siân plays an active role in the wider educational community, chairing the SEF Ops group across Southampton and collaborating with SSAT on a range of national projects. Her work is driven by a belief in evidence‑informed practice, thoughtful innovation and the power of professional collaboration to improve outcomes for young people in Southampton.