Ester Ragonese

Ester has worked in higher education for 19 years and at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) since 2004 when she started as a Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice and since 2016 as Associate Dean Education for the largest faculty in the institution. She is proud of her academic leadership role and works to ensure pedagogic practice is placed firmly on the agenda.In addition to these roles she holds a wide range of institutional responsibilities and represents the university externally in a variety of capacities. Ester is also a team member of the PCLTHE and supports staff in developing teaching excellence. Ester considers herself fortunate to teach what she loves and to love teaching. In her career Ester has always strived for teaching excellence and is regarded as an enthusiastic and passionate teacher by both staff and students. It is clear from Ester's approach that she is motivated by notions of social justice and the value that education has in enabling people to develop their potential. Having worked in the criminal justice sector, what is important to Ester is to ensure that graduates enter the world of work with the ambition, drive and the ability to make a difference and to improve the lives of those marginalised. Employability is a key priority for Ester and she incorporates transferable employability skills into all of her teaching. Impact of work In her various roles Ester has always placed the student at the heart of her practice and has adopted a philosophy based on up-to-date, effective and timely student engagement and support. She has been instrumental in developing strategic practice in LJMU around personal tutoring, induction, peer observation and retention and has in the capacity of External Examiner and a Subject Specialist advised on these areas. Plans for the future Ester is keen to ensure that the student voice is heard and listened to and works with student partners in a number of research projects. Ester always works hard to ensure that her commitment to developing the student environment extends beyond her immediate role and LJMU. She is currently part of an inter-institutional research team focusing on student retention and transition.