Joanna Hume

My overarching research interests are forest school, outdoor education, PSHE education and child language development in the context of early years education. I recently completed a doctorate researching the impact of regular outdoor sessions (specifically, forest school) upon young children.

I have a first degree in Language and Linguistic Science. Following graduation I completed a PGCE and entered into the primary teaching profession. During my career in mainstream primary schools in the North-East of England I specialised in early years teaching, with a particular interest in forest school and outdoor learning. I completed a Masters in Education in 2011 and, following that, began teaching on the North Tyneside School Centered Initial Teacher Training programme. I joined Northumbria University as a Senior Lecturer in 2016, I have led the BA (Hons) Primary Education programme, and currently lead PGCE School Direct. I was awarded a PhD in the field of education in 2024, which explored the ethos and practice of forest school from a posthuman perspective.