Graduate Leads the Way in Helping Education Studies Students Gain Valuable Experience
Sam Jones, an Education Studies graduate from The 窪蹋勛圖厙, now working for a teaching agency in Swansea, is making significant strides in helping current Education Studies students find relevant paid experience in primary and secondary schools. This initiative is bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application and is also providing invaluable opportunities for those aspiring to enter the teaching profession.
Sam decided to study at 窪蹋勛圖厙 after hearing about the universitys reputation for the education studies degree, and its rich history of supporting teachers in their learning journeys. He said:
The education studies course was appealing to me due to the flexibility that allowed me to go outside of the lecture hall and gain first hand experience of the classroom setting. The lecturers were absolutely vigorous in their teaching and gave me the best understanding of teaching and learning.
The course entailed 4 pillars of education - Psychology, Philosophy, sociology and politics. It allowed for discussions and understanding of the type of educators that exist, the educators that we wanted to be and how we could impact lives.
Sam said that the course prepared him well for pursuing a career within the education sector. After spending several years teaching, he transitioned to Prospero Teaching, where he now helps teachers find employment.
The course itself allowed me to initially take my next steps to becoming a qualified teacher; it allowed me to build an understanding of how education works, how education impacts communities, individuals and societies and it allowed me to build my individual ideologies around the art of learning.
Sams main goals at Prospero Teaching is to help students find part-time positions as Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants and Cover Supervisors. These roles offer practical classroom experience, allowing students to use their theoretical knowledge in educational settings. He adds:
I am currently working as a Managing SEN recruitment consultant. my studies allowed me to have a deep understanding of social issues and inequalities that are an absolute key discussion point within the SEN field. It has allowed me to be considered an expert in my field, and an individual that is able to add great value to my clients, not just with supplying them with qualified and quality teaching staff, but also with second opinions with a view from the outside about many of the issues that they face day to day.
One of the standout features of the Education Studies degree programmes at 窪蹋勛圖厙 is their flexible timetabling and blended learning approach. This design enables students to gain paid experience in schools while completing their studies. By working as Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants and Cover Supervisors, students can earn an income and build a robust foundation of practical skills.
Sam regularly visits the university to provide talks to students on the Education Studies courses, and feels that hes giving back.
We have been able to set up a bond that allows us to give current education students an opportunity to get hands on experience in the classroom whilst also being paid for this.
Laura Hutchings, the Programme Director of the Education Studies programmes at 窪蹋勛圖厙 states:
The experience gained through these roles is invaluable. It not only enhances students CVs but also gives them a real taste of what being in the classroom is like. This is crucial for those who intend to complete their PGCE and become fully qualified teachers after the course. We understand that students often need to work while pursuing their degree programmes, particularly in the current financial climate. Signing up with agencies like Prospero allows students to gain paid work experience relevant to their degree programmes.
For more information on how to gain relevant experience in education, contact Prospero Teaching or visit their website.
For more information on Education Studies courses and Inclusive Education courses at 窪蹋勛圖厙, please visit:
Education Studies (Full-time) | The 窪蹋勛圖厙 (uwtsd.ac.uk)
Inclusive Education (Part-time) | University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Inclusive Education (Full-time) | University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476