The Bath Spa Institute for Education’s dean Dr Kate Reynolds has been named as one of the top 50 social media influencers in higher education.
Dr Reynolds, pictured, who Tweets as @BathSpaEdDean, was recognised for her use of social media in the development of the Bath Spa Institute for Education, which has evolved from the Bath Spa University’s School of Education. 
The institute – a community of research and practice that brings together students, teachers, governors, researchers and all educationalists – builds on a 70-year history of teacher training and excellent education research.
This creative approach to building a new ‘brand’ for teacher education is shared via Kate’s hashtag #becreativebeateacher.
Her work has also acted as a catalyst for the development of the ‘Network for Learning’, which provides continuous professional development for teachers, and the online brand is now expanding into sub-brands such as #becreativeeducate to support postgraduate and undergraduate work.
Dr Reynolds said: “I am delighted to have been recognised in this way. The hashtag #becreativebeateacher is indicative of the approach we take to educating teachers at Bath Spa Institute for Education.
“We believe teachers have a huge impact on the life chances of children and young people and using social media means we can support our Bath Spa Teachers both during their training and as they continue their professional journey.
“It reflects the way we work and our commitment to bringing creativity to our work in developing 21st century education professionals across the globe.”
The top 50 social media influencers in higher education list was compiled by Jisc, a registered charity that campions the use of digital technologies in UK education and research. The final list was chosen by a panel of social media experts and features a mix of academics, vice-chancellors, librarians and IT and support staff.
