Dr David Thomas

Biography
David completed a degree in Geography at Aberystwyth University in 1995 and PGCE in 1996.
Prior to starting at Wrexham Glyndwr University, David had gained 18 years of experience working within school age education. This initially included spending eight years teaching Geography and History across a number of secondary schools within Wales and as a supply teacher within primary schools.
Early career experience identified an enjoyment of the pastoral care role within education in addition to teaching and a move in to alternative education then followed, spending a decade working with vulnerable learners from 7-18 years of age who had been or who were in danger of being permanently excluded from school and displayed a range of additional learning needs including SpLD/Dyslexia, SEBD, ODD and Autism. In addition to teaching, David also gained experience as an assistant examiner with the WJEC for GCSE examinations and has fulfilled the role of school governor.
At Wrexham Glyndwr University David has taught across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within education with a key focus on ALN/SEND, has experience of programme leadership, external examination roles across a number of university programmes and is an editorial team member for an education journal.
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Certificate in Additional Learning Needs
- BA (Hons) Geography (University of Wales)
- PGCE (University of Wales)
- PGCPSE (The Open University)
- MA (Education) (The Open University)
- EdD (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
Professional Accreditation
- Member of the BDA (AMBDA)
Research
Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
Dyslexia
Behaviour
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Education as an evidence informed profession
Bilingualism
Effective use of teaching assistants
Learner identity
Courses
BA (Hons) Education
BA (Hons) ALN/SEND
BA (Hons) Working with Children and Families
BA (Hons) Childhood, Welfare and Education
FdA Learning Support
MA Education
MA Education (Wales)
Publications
Thomas, D. V. (2015), Factors affecting successful reintegration. Educational Studies, Vol. 41, No 1-2, pp. 188-208.