Teacher Education Staff Profiles
People are at the heart of everything we do at UCEN Manchester. We believe that your success is intrinsically linked to the support you receive both academically and personally.
Our staff are experts in their field and hold a varied range of professional and industry experience. Their support and dedication ensure you are guided, supported and encouraged to learn and achieve within your chosen subject.
Explore staff profiles for our Teacher Education team below.
Vanessa comes to the Teacher Education and Professional Development department with a broad spectrum of skills gained from working in industry and education.
After gaining her first degree BSc (Hons) in Textile Design, she was employed for over 15 years in the clothing and textile industries, working with high street retailers from product concept to final in store delivery. She returned to education to study a HND in Graphic Design while running her own small business and began teaching on a part time basis.
During her 12 years as a tutor, Vanessa has taught Level 1 to Level 4 and also Apprenticeships in art, design and media. She has been a centre co-ordinator and course leader, and has gained qualifications including a PGCE, L3 Assessor Awards for work based learning, a Masters in Multi-media and E-learning. She is also a member of the Society of Education and Training (SET).
While working with the quality team in the role of Advanced Practitioner, Vanessa created and delivered CPD for colleagues. Attending annual college conferences, Vanessa has specialised in topics covering independent learning, critical and creative thinking and has written articles for in-house magazines. She also achieved a Level 5 ILM qualification in Advanced Coaching and Mentoring.
Vanessa has a vast amount of experience conducting supportive observations across various subject specialisms, working with tutors to create development plans tailored to their personal and professional goals. She has also mentored potential teachers on placement through Duke of Edinburgh, in-service staff and subject specialist placements.
She said: “Sharing and putting theory into practice, alongside seeing staff and learners achieve new skills or confidence is what makes teaching an interesting and exciting profession. Helping learners to unlock their potential and hidden talents is what makes working in the lifelong learning sector a rewarding career.”