Prime Highlights-
- The University of Cumbria has strengthened its position as a global centre for Charlotte Mason studies through new honorary and visiting research appointments in partnership with the Charlotte Mason Institute.
- The initiative aims to expand research, international collaboration and academic engagement in education studies at the Ambleside campus.
Key Facts-
- New appointments include Professors of Practice Jason Fletcher, Kerri Forney and Dr Deani Van Pelt, along with six visiting research fellows from the UK, North America and other regions.
- The programme will support research output, publications, conferences and strengthen graduate education while enhancing Ambleside’s academic profile.
Background-
The University of Cumbria has brought in a fresh wave of honorary and visiting research figures through its work with the Charlotte Mason Institute, adding weight to its growing profile as a global centre for Charlotte Mason studies. The move is aimed at expanding research, academic collaboration and international engagement in education studies.
The university said the appointments will support its Ambleside campus, which has historic links to Charlotte Mason’s teacher training work. It added that rising global interest in Mason’s educational philosophy has created new opportunities for research, teaching and academic exchange.
The new Professors of Practice include Jason Fletcher, Kerri Forney and Dr Deani Van Pelt. Visiting research fellows appointed include Dr Jack Beckman, Lisa Cadora, Dr Elizabeth Millar, Dr Doug Sikkema, Dr Jennifer Spencer and Dr Shannon Whiteside.
These scholars bring experience in education leadership, curriculum design, archival research and teacher training across the UK, North America and other regions.
University officials said the appointments will deepen collaboration with external experts and support new research outputs, publications and conferences. They also said the initiative will help strengthen graduate programmes and attract more students and researchers to Ambleside, supporting both academic growth and the local economy.
The Charlotte Mason Institute said the partnership will help preserve and expand access to Mason’s educational archives while encouraging modern application of her ideas.
Researchers involved in the programme said they plan to study curriculum design, pedagogy and the historical context of Mason’s philosophy while linking it to current education challenges.
The university said the initiative will also support international academic networking and future policy discussions in education. It added that Ambleside could become a key global hub for research into relational and holistic education approaches in the coming years.
