SHARE SKILLS BY TEACHING
A GOVERNMENT campaign is calling for more skilled people to share their knowledge and become part-time teachers.
Susan Simmonds, 48, from Nether Wallop, Hampshire, has done just that and is now working and teaching in the world of conservation.
What do you do?
I’ve worked in the conservation sector for the last 20 years. My current main job is as an Engagement Officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust where I engage with communities across the county and advise them on how they can positively impact and take action to improve their area for wildlife.
I do this alongside teaching adults species identification skills! That’s great fun.
I also teach one day a week at Sparsholt College as a sessional lecturer for students on the Land & Wildlife Management Level 3 course, as well as the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation degree course.
I love it so much that from next month I’m increasing my teaching hours to three days a week.
Why did you decide to go into teaching?
I love working in the conservation sector, and I was really keen to pass on my knowledge and inspire the next generation of young people to feel that they can make a difference.
My neighbour at the time, who was already teaching at Sparsholt College, witnessed my passion for conservation, and thought that further education (FE) teaching would suit me as well – I could bring my industry experience into my lectures.
He knew I’d taken a break to have children and was looking to get back into work while considering trying something slightly different.
He made me aware of the parttime teaching positions available at the college. The application process was really easy and the college invited me for a short interview. I was offered the job the same day.
What are the most challenging elements of each job?
I guess the most challenging part is juggling the workload between the two jobs, but finding the right balance is also rewarding.
The lecturing and teaching in FE involves preparation and marking outside of the classroom, and the nature of my job in conservation requires flexible working hours, so I have to balance my time wisely.
Did you have to do some extra training for the teaching job?
My industry experience and knowledge of the sector has been really valuable in my role as a FE teacher. FE teaching offers the opportunity to obtain funded teaching training qualifications on the job.
To undertake the sessional teaching, I gained a Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS), and when I go up to teaching three days a week in May, I’ll also need to commit to undertaking a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.
Teaching must be pretty scary?
My first few lessons were a little nerve-racking as I had no previous experience inside the classroom.
However, I knew I did have experience in leading and teaching groups of people of all ages and abilities through my work in the conservation sector. I also have a huge amount of technical knowledge from my career I could share with the students.
My industry skills and knowhow were really relevant and transferable to FE teaching.
I knew I could be successful if I channelled these skills, and as time passed, it became second nature. Lots of people don’t realise their industry skills are really valuable for FE teaching.
Another important component is, of course, enthusiasm! If you love your subject, you’ll engage your students.
How did you get into the conservation sector in the first place?
I studied environmental sciences at A-level, and from there I went on to university to gain an Environmental Science degree. After some time travelling, I started volunteering in the conservation sector in my free time. I realised I really had a passion for the natural world, and over time, it became apparent that I also loved working with people. Luckily, I found I could combine the two. Teaching people about my favourite subject is perfect for me!
The Teach in
Further Education campaign is calling for more skilled workers to change lives without changing their careers by teaching part time in further education (FE), alongside their current role. There are opportunities on offer for industry professionals to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of learners in their field, with a particular focus on key sectors including construction, engineering and manufacturing, legal, finance and accounting, digital/IT, and health and social care. To find out more about teaching in Further Education visit www.teach-in-furthereducation.campaign.gov. uk.