The Preston-based 45-year-old is already working as a supply teacher for prison education service provider Novus, teaching various subjects including art, personal development, English and maths. While not the traditional route for first-time teachers, Shauntelle says her course at Edge Hill has prepared her well.
“I’m using every single one of the techniques they taught me. I’m using structured learning, incorporating activities at certain points and I’m knowledgeable about what to look for when my learners are disengaged. Everything they’ve taught me is all there at my fingertips.
“When we started the course in September 2023, they said we’d be teaching classes on our placements by ourselves by Christmas. We didn’t believe them. We were apprehensive because we didn’t think we’d be ready, but we did it! My mentor was fantastic. She was no-nonsense and had such faith in me. She knew I’d learn best by getting in the deep end.”
Shauntelle is not daunted by a career change; her years of experience have prepared her to face any challenge. She’s worked as an auxiliary nurse in care homes and in a hospital’s acute mental health unit, as a civil servant for DWP processing benefits, and completed a law degree while working in a law-based role, commuting daily between Stockport and Stoke-on-Trent. Shauntelle’s also supported homeless people working for a housing company and volunteered as a magistrate and school governor.
Through this period, Shauntelle’s raised her three children, Shian (18), Alexander (16) and Raphael (12), as a single parent and spent time in Zimbabwe helping look after her sick father. She still works weekends for the Red Cross, deploying volunteers to support those who’ve lost everything in house fires.
It was a conversation with her sister that prompted her to take her career in a new direction.
“She said I was just sitting on my law degree and not doing anything with it – something I was well aware of! But she planted the seed about teaching.
“I started researching, not knowing whether I fancied teaching primary or older kids. As my children were growing up, I decided on teenagers, thinking it would be more fun and relatable.
“The next thing I knew, I had pressed the application button and was invited for an interview.”
Shauntelle’s experience of working in jobs at the sharp end of life, coupled with her law degree, made her an enticing prospect for Novus. However, she hasn’t given up on her desire to teach law – her real passion.
“Teaching law is my ultimate goal, but I’m happy for now. I need experience under my belt and to be confident and comfortable. Prisons are a challenging and rewarding environment in which to build and hone your skills.”
Shauntelle has thrived at Edge Hill, thanks to the inclusive welcome she received and the high-quality teacher training.
“I felt like I was on the outside looking in during my other university experience, so Edge Hill was such a contrast. Everyone is welcoming and willing to help and guide you, and there is a wealth of resources. It was like being back in high school with the one-on-one support.
“I’m so impressed with Edge Hill and would definitely recommend coming here. My daughter wants to become a primary school teacher and I’ve encouraged her to apply. They may have another recruit.”
Find out more about Edge Hill University’s postgraduate courses.
July 26, 2024
