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.
David has been a member of the Teacher Education team for 10 years supporting Trainees across a wide range of subject areas and settings including the Prison estate. With over 30 years’ experience of science laboratory and classroom education he now teaches on the PGCE/ CertEd courses and the Level 3 Award for Learning Support Practitioners. His experiences as an Headmaster and an Inspector enable him to bring a wealth of knowledge, understanding and anecdotes to his classes.
David values the concept of Lifelong Learning and has received an MA in Education and been made a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in recent years. He says “I know it’s a cliché but I always find that ‘by my learners I’ll be taught’”.
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.”
Lynne is Departmental Team Leader for Teacher Education, is course lead for BA in Education and Professional Development, and teaches on both the BA and the PGCE/Cert Ed. She has been with the UCEN Manchester Teacher Education department for 10 years and has taught across the programmes, including previous course co-ordination of the Award in Education and Training.
Lynne began her teaching as an English tutor and has worked in further, adult and secondary education; in total, she has been teaching for over 20 years. Her first degree is in English and History; she has post graduate qualifications in both literature and education, is currently working towards her doctorate, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.