Elaine Matchett joined Birmingham City University (BCU) in 2010 after teaching in a range of primary and secondary schools across the West Midlands. She initially worked as part of the primary English team at BCU teaching on the BA (Hons) QTS and PGCE Primary course. In 2016, she became the course leader for the BA (Hons) Education Studies. In April 2020, she completed her PhD which focused on the educational experiences of children in care.