Professional Development for Practitioners in Academia: Pracademia

This multi-disciplinary collection addresses issues relating to current or former practitioners within the context of higher education. Drawing together a range of voices, the contributors explore contemporary issues organised around three core themes of pracademic identities, professional development, and teaching practice. Underpinned by theoretical frameworks, reporting empirical findings, and adopting a reflective lens, this critical examination draws on a range of experiences to provide a deeper understanding of the contribution of pracademics within the sector for stakeholders, including leaders, policy makers and professional bodies, and current and future pracademics. Dedicated to highlighting the potential of the pracademic contribution, this collection explores key topics including building networks, practice-informed teaching, consultancy, and collaborative research. Contributions investigate some of the practical barriers faced by pracademics making the transition into higher education, including imposter syndrome, cultural adjustment, and managing dual professional identities. The aim of this collection is to champion the benefits of a diverse academy for everyone involved.