Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring Courses at DCG

Michael Thompson, MA Ed, PGCE, FSET

Michael is the manager of the Professional Education, Training and Development Academy. He is an enthusiastic educator within the FE sector and an experienced teacher practicing in both Secondary and Further Education in academic contexts and specialising in the teaching of A levels across a range of humanities subjects. Having gained this experience alongside academic achievement he currently lectures on the PGCE and Cert Ed teacher qualifications, allowing for his experience to support the development and understanding of teaching practices in a wide range of educational settings.

Most recently he continues to work on educational trust boards to enhance recruitment practices of teaching professionals across D2N2 and continues working to enhance the standards of teaching and learning across a range of centres and Trusts within the region. Accounts of these experiences have been published in education media.

Sally Jarvis BEd (Hons), MA, FHEA

Sally is an experienced teacher with an excellent track record in delivering on a range of programmes, and in a variety of learning contexts. Prior to becoming the programme leader for the Certificate in Education and PGCE programmes, Sally has held a number of roles within the FE sector. These have included working with learners at a variety of educational levels, managing college curriculum departments and whole college Inclusion Services. She has delivered accredited qualifications and championed the design of bespoke learning programmes for individual learners. Sally’s professional interests include disability and inclusive practice, as well as effective communication, leadership and educational management.

Rhiannon Kelly BA (Hons), PGCE, MA

Rhiannon is an experienced teacher with over 11 years’ experience of working in the FE sector. Prior to becoming a teacher for the Certificate in Education and PGCE programme Rhiannon has experience of working as an Educational Support Worker, where she supported learners within their course in a variety of vocational areas. Rhiannon spent 10 years preparing, delivering, and assessing on the Travel and Tourism programme, teaching this subject at various levels at DCG. Rhiannon’s professional interests include exploring the use of digital technology in teaching, motivation and effective communication.

Lesley Jackson (BA Hons), MA, PGCE, Chartered FCIPD

Lesley is an experienced training and development professional with an excellent track record in establishing trusting partnerships with clients and engaging and motivating learners in groups and on a one-to-one basis. She has designed and delivered training for managers and front-line staff, working in a variety of sectors, for example, education, housing, retail, transport and the local government. Lesley’s specialist areas include coaching & mentoring, and train the trainer courses, as well as leadership and effective communication, presentation & facilitation skills and diversity & inclusion. She has successfully trained people from all levels in organisations up to board members, as well as non-employees such as contractors, volunteers and community resident groups.

Nicole Harley BA (Hons), PGCE

Nicole is the teacher and co-ordinator for the Level 2, 3 and 4 Supporting Teaching and Learning programmes in the academy. She is a very enthusiastic educator working with learners within a broad range of provisions, including adult education, 16-19 provisions and early years. Nicole’s professional interests include child development, theoretical perspectives and inclusion. Nicole has utilised her skills and experience within the teaching assistant programmes and is continuing to develop the curriculum area, to enhance the learning experience for trainee teaching assistants.

Emily Woodgate BA (Hons), PGCE, A1

Emily is a teacher on the Level 2/3 Supporting Teaching and Learning programmes. As well as teaching our TA courses, Emily also visits schools to assess teaching assistant trainees and reviews the progression of her students. Emily also carries out classroom observations for those on our Certificate in Education and PGCE programmes. With over 12 years’ experience within the education sector, from early years through to adult education, Emily is extremely passionate about high quality teaching and learning and actively promotes this to enable trainees to become excellent teaching assistants, and teachers.

Risha Schmelich A1, PTTLS, CTTLS, EPA, IQA

Risha is an experienced trainer assessor, and IQA, and has worked in the education sector and apprenticeship organisations for over 16 years, with experience in delivering Early Years and teaching assistant qualifications. Risha enjoys engaging and motivating her learners either in groups online or in class as well as providing one to one support as required. Risha mostly enjoys the part of her role where she will go out into schools and observe her learners in practice. This is where she will use her skills as an EPA to develop and support her learners in order to prepare them for their end point assessment.

Louise Sabin HLTA, TAQA

Louise is an experienced assessor on the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programme. Louise has worked in primary schools for twelve years, gathering a wealth of experience working with children in years 1 – 6. Louise spent six years as a HLTA, working predominantly with year 5 and 6 pupils, carrying out whole class teaching and focussed intervention groups. Although new to adult education, Louise is passionate about using her knowledge, skills and experience to support others to become excellent, valuable teaching assistants in the classroom.

Ruth Dews BA (Hons), PGCE, A1, IQA, EQA, CIPD, IAG, C&M

Ruth is an experienced teacher, assessor, IQA, EQA and Programme/Quality Manager. Ruth has worked with learners undertaking a wide range of subjects at various levels within FE colleges, training providers and prison education. She has mentored trainee teachers, helped colleagues to prepare for Ofsted visits, managed and conducted observations of teaching and of information, advice and guidance, and developed the skills of assessor and IQA colleagues as well as those in other establishments through her work as an EQA. Within the Professional Education, Training and Development team, Ruth coaches and assesses trainee assessors and IQAs, motivated to ensure that all assessments and quality assurance processes are carried out to high standards.

Kellie Hall L3 A&G

Kellie Hall is an experienced administrator and has worked in the Professional Education Academy for over 18 years. Her vital role includes offering advice and guidance to potential learners, and she has a key role in recruiting and enrolling learners for a variety of programmes that we offer. Her excellent organisational skills ensures the smooth running of the office and support of the whole team. Kellie is also involved in the sales and marketing of all our courses. Her knowledge and understanding of the programmes is essential in offering advice and guidance to our learners. Kellie’s expert knowledge and strong communication skills are an essential asset to the smooth running of the Academy. Kellie will be very happy to offer advice regarding all of our courses.