Zoe Benjamin – Director of Teaching and Learning, Evidence-Based Pedagogy Advocate, and Education Research Specialist
Zoe Benjamin is a dedicated Director of Teaching and Learning at Heathfield School with a strong commitment to evidence-based pedagogy and the science of learning. With over 18 years of teaching and leadership experience in state, international, and independent schools, Zoe has developed a deep understanding of effective teaching practices and how research can be translated into classroom impact.
Zoe specializes in leading professional development for teachers, improving the quality of teaching and learning, fostering cross-school partnerships, and supporting early career teachers as they build their professional confidence and expertise. As a secondary teacher of Mathematics, including KS3, KS4, A-Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and subjects such as Physics and Psychology, Zoe’s versatile teaching portfolio reflects her ability to engage students across a range of disciplines.
Research and Advocacy for Student Voice
Zoe’s passion for empowering both students and teachers is evident in her research and practice. For her MSc Education dissertation, she explored the impact of student voice on pedagogical decision-making and developed actionable recommendations for implementing this model in secondary schools. Her work emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful dialogue between teachers and students to make informed, collaborative pedagogical decisions.
Zoe believes that education research must be at the heart of teaching, and she is committed to making complex findings accessible and actionable for pupils, parents, and educators. She regularly contributes to the Structural Learning newsletter, translating the latest education research into practical strategies that enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Through her articles, Zoe bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing educators with the tools to make informed decisions in their classrooms.
Expertise and Experience
Zoe has held a variety of leadership roles, including Head of Mathematics, subject leader, and senior leadership team member, where she has line-managed departments and driven school-wide improvement initiatives. Her current responsibilities include:
Evidence-Based Pedagogy and Science of Learning
Zoe is a passionate advocate for the science of learning, continually exploring how research can enhance student outcomes. She combines her practical teaching expertise with a deep interest in cognitive science, ensuring her leadership is grounded in evidence-informed practices. Zoe also writes insightful blog posts for Third Space Learning, where she shares her knowledge on topics such as mathematics teaching strategies, professional development, and the role of evidence-based practices in improving student achievement.
A Vision for Empowered Education
Zoe’s overarching goal is to create environments where teachers and students are empowered to make informed, reflective decisions together. She believes that when education research is used as the foundation for pedagogical discussions, it leads to greater student engagement, teacher confidence, and improved outcomes across schools.
Through her work as a leader, researcher, and writer, Zoe continues to inspire educators to embrace evidence-based approaches and remain committed to continual improvement in their professional practice.
Assistant Headteacher
