Karen has worked for EMAS since 2006 and has been the team’s Manager and Lead Adviser since 2015. An English Language and Literature graduate, she has taught in both junior and secondary schools in Portsmouth since completing her PGCE. She also has a TEFL background, having taught English in Greece and the UK for several years.
Karen has a Masters in Education from Sussex University, with a particular focus on Assessment for Learning and EAL, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Practice and Pedagogy specifically concerning the teaching of English as an additional language (TEAL).
Karen is an active member of the EAL national association, NALDIC, and runs a Regional Interest Group for them. She lectures on ITT courses throughout the area and regularly presents at conferences (national and local) as well as continuing to work with children and young people. She manages the ‘Starting Out’ provision for UAMs in the city and is also currently employed as an EAL Expert for the DfE.
karen.thomas.emas@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Monday – Friday