Meet the teacher helping pupils realise their potential through the power of the outdoors
FOR GLENDA DOWDELL-THOMAS, HER JOB SATISFACTION COMES FROM SEEING HER STUDENTS GROW IN CONFIDENCE AND DEVELOP NEW SKILLS
ARMING young people with the skills and knowledge for their careers to come is in Glenda Dowdell-Thomas’ blood. As the course lead in outdoor activities at Coleg Sir Gâr, mainly based on the Llanelli campus, she relishes her role in helping to open up possibilities for her students in what is a growing sector in Wales.
The opportunities are out there for them, something she believes is also true for people wanting to follow in her footsteps teaching outdoor activities. Glenda says she gets huge satisfaction from teaching, and from helping young people to overcome barriers and push themselves every day.
“Working with young people every day means I get to feel like I’m making a difference,” she said. “That is the crux of it. It’s an amazing feeling for me seeing them learn something for the first time, especially when they have those light bulb moments where they just ‘get it’. It’s a matter of pride for them, and for me as their teacher.
“With any outdoor activity there is an element of risk, an element of danger that can make trying things for the first time quite daunting. To coach the young people I work with to overcome those fears, and to see their progress, is incredibly fulfilling.”
During her career Glenda has worked with young people of all abilities, including pupils who told her that to begin with, they didn’t think they had in them to complete the course. She says one of her favourite parts of the job is seeing these young people surprise themselves and overcome those barriers.
“I love those moments when you can see a young person really enjoyed something you taught them - especially something they thought they would find difficult,” said Glenda. “You can see in their body language how delighted they are to have really nailed something.
“I’ve worked with plenty of students who didn’t think they would be able to complete the course. They’d never imagined going to study at university or working during the summer for a local company or starting a career in outdoor activities. When these students come to speak to me after the course is finished, I can see how proud they are. It’s incredibly rewarding.
For Glenda, these conversations confirm that she made the right decision in choosing a profession where she can help develop young people. Watching them make great strides means a lot to her.
“The course opens their eyes to things they may never have experienced before,” she says. “It’s great to be a part of that.”
As somebody who spends a lot of time outside in the fresh air, Glenda agrees wholeheartedly with the renewed emphasis on health and wellbeing that came as a result of the pandemic.
Seeing the smiles on the faces of her students who are able to get outdoors again for activities is, in her words, a tonic. As is the knowledge that she, along with her colleagues in education, is playing an important part in inspiring the next generation to find their passions.
A PATHWAY TO A CAREER IN EDUCATION OR TRAINING
Inspired by Glenda’s story?
A career in education and training can be incredibly rewarding, with excellent job satisfaction and opportunities for growth and development. Whether you’re looking to start a new career, or you’re moving on to the next stage in your education career, you can access information, training and career opportunities through Educators Wales.
No matter where you are on your journey, Educators Wales can help you to discover the wide range of opportunities across Wales - from roles in schools and colleges, to work-based learning, youth work and adult education - with expert advice and training available to help you reach your potential. Through the website, you can also view live job vacancies and upload your CV so potential employers can find you.
To find out more about careers in education and training across Wales, head to educators.wales/jobs.