Tecola Smith

PhD Researcher specialising in AI literacy, digital wellbeing, and adolescent development. My work examines how AI literacy is conceptualised in education, how prepared teachers feel to teach it, and how adolescents' autonomy and wellbeing are shaped by AI-mediated technologies. I combine conceptual analysis, qualitative inquiry, and mixed-methods approaches to develop a human-centred ecological framework for AI learning in secondary schools.

I am committed to research that supports young people's agency, ethical awareness, and mental wellbeing in increasingly AI-driven digital environments.

Assistant Psychologist/ Research & Evaluations Lead, TIAAS (Trauma-Informed Attachment Aware Schools) - Birmingham City Council- Educational Psychology Service - Birmingham, England

(2025-12)

• Lead the research and evaluation strategy for TIAAS, supporting evidence-based practice across educational psychology interventions for children and young people.
• Conduct data analysis, produce research reports, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for practitioners, senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Support the development of psychologically informed approaches within schools, contributing to improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes to vulnerable young people.

PhD Research Candidate - University of York- Psychology in Education - York, England

(2024-01 - 2029-12)

• Conducting a three-study doctoral project exploring AI literacy, teacher readiness, and adolescent autonomy and wellbeing in secondary school education.
• Leading a scoping review mapping conceptual frameworks of AI literacy within educational research.
• Conducting interviews, using mixed methods and think-aloud protocols

Interventions Teacher/ Behaviour & welfare and Teaching Assistant - Now Education Ltd

(2022-10 - 2025-07)

• Academic and emotional support for students
• Implementing tailored intervention strategies to support child development
• Working collaboratively with teaching staff, parents and multiagency partners to support child welfare.

Deputy designated Safeguard Lead/ Student relations Officer - Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM)

(2020-11 - 2022-08)

• Managing and overseeing safeguarding, child protection, and welfare policies, particularly for the under 18 students and vulnerable adults
• Facilitated communication between the students and institution
• Organised and led student development initiatives to enhance the overall student experience.

PhD - Psychology in Education - University of York (2024 - 2029)

MSc - Psychology - University of York (2019 - 2022)

MSc - Psychology - University of Leicester (2019 - 2022)