Single mum of three proves it’s never too late to change careers
by Educate Magazine August 21, 2024 · All News / University News
Edge Hill University graduate, Shauntelle Riley, has embarked on a teaching career with her postgraduate diploma (further education and skills), the latest addition to an impressive CV of qualifications and experience, all while being a single mum of three.
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.
Shauntelle said: “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 the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) processing benefits, and completed a law degree while working in a law-based role, commuting daily between Stockport and Stoke-on-Trent.
Shauntelle has also supported homeless people working for a housing company and volunteered as a magistrate and school governor.
Through this period, Shauntelle has 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.
Shauntelle said: “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.
Shauntelle knew nothing about Edge Hill before she started the course. It was one of two institutions she could apply to through UCAS and at that point she was unaware of its reputation for high-quality teacher training. She was pleasantly surprised.
Shauntelle said: “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 studying education at Edge Hill University.
