Teacher Education Courses in Manchester

Brenda Campbell

After completing a PGCE in Inclusive Education, Brenda began her teaching career nearly thirty years ago, starting with teaching young adults community employability skills and embedding English within these programmes. Her learners were able to progress to Further Education programmes, Apprenticeship training, or employment. This also included working with Prince’s Trust programmes, embedding essential skills within their alternative education provision.

Brenda’s passion for teaching led her to The Manchester College and UCEN Manchester, where, after several years, she became a lecturer in Teacher Education. With twenty years of teaching experience across the Further Education and Higher Education sectors, she guides, supports, and models effective practice for trainees working towards teaching qualifications such as the PGCE and Cert Ed. She also teaches Reflective Practice and Critical Education on the degree course.

She has completed an MA in Education, exploring the wider influences that impact the curriculum. She uses this knowledge to teach the underpinning principles of education and to enhance learners’ knowledge and skills.

Anna Kettlewell-Brown

Anna brings over a decade of experience in the Further Education and Skills (FES) sector, having worked across a wide range of teaching, quality and management roles, including positions within Prison Education and Specialist SEND provision. With an original background in graphic design, creativity underpins her practice.

Anna holds a Master’s degree in Leading Inclusive Education and is dedicated to improving outcomes for all learners through inclusive and responsive practice.

She is passionate about developing authentic, highly skilled, knowledgeable and forward-thinking teachers. Anna takes a responsive, innovative and inclusive approach to working with trainees, enabling them to explore new ideas, develop their skills and progress in their teaching practice with confidence and authenticity.

Vanessa Lees

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.”