‘Power of Education’ helps Louise change her life and become a teacher
Teacher Louise Berry can relate to the adults who have returned to education and enrol on her Education and Professional Studies courses.
Less than 10 years ago she was in the same position as them, swopping her career as a team leader in a telecoms firm for a return to the classroom and the start of an academic journey that has seen her gain a degree at UCLan Burnley and train to be a teacher.
Louise says:
“I can really relate to those students who have decided to come back into education after a break and have a real passion to make a big change in their lives – I was just like them. I realised one day that I wanted more out of life and a career that really mattered and started out on a journey to get into teaching – I originally thought primary school teaching but realised I could offer so much more to older students as I’d been in their shoes.”
Louise enrolled on a year-long Access to University course at Burnley College to give her the skills and confidence to embark on her Foundation degree in Children, Young People and their Services before completing the Education and Professional Studies BA (hons) degree at UCLan Burnley and then gaining her PGCE qualification which allows her to teach.
She says:
“I left school at 16 and thought I had it all planned out. I wanted to get into the world of work and earn my own living and have some independence.
When I look back now I wouldn’t change the past as it’s given me great life experience – that’s something all adults who return to education have and it’s a great advantage that younger, less experienced students may not have.
Throughout her studies, Louise balanced being a mum (her third child arrived just weeks after she started her Foundation degree) and wife, receiving lots of support from her husband Chris and her parents, which gave her time to study. She also received support from her tutors throughout her studies, as well as advice from our Student Services team.
Louise says:
“Education truly has the power to change people’s lives. It’s changed mine and now I’m helping others to make those steps towards career changes and job satisfaction that they may have previously not thought possible. It’s never too late to make a change.”
Would you like to become a teacher? You can study right here in Burnley – at Burnley College and then Burnley College University Courses. Visit our Adult Learning page for a list of courses to start your journey, call our friendly Student Services team on 01282 733373 or email [email protected]
CATEGORIES