A former Stratford-upon-Avon College student is well on her way to achieve her dream of gaining a job in teaching.
Ellie Upstone studied Childcare and Education at the College. She graduated in 2018 and went on to the University of Plymouth, where she is currently studying for a BEd Primary (Special Educational Needs) with the aim of becoming a primary school teacher. As her career progresses, she hopes to become a special educational needs teacher.
Ellie’s choice of career was inspired by her love of working with children – “I really enjoy seeing them develop and achieve” – while her decision to focus on the special educational needs sector was driven by her close relationship with her brother who has Down’s Syndrome.
The College prepared Ellie well for her studies at university. As an integral part of her course, she was assigned a work placement for two days per week which gave her familiarity with a professional, teaching environment. She commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed this as I learn better by experiencing a professional environment first hand and being a part of a working team.”
She clearly impressed in her on-the-job training as she was offered employment by one of her nursery placements and still works there today as part of their team during school holidays.
She has fond memories of her time at the College and is grateful to her lecturers for their approachability and willingness to help. “They were very friendly and supportive. They always had time to speak to me about my assignments and any queries I had.”
Ellie looks set to have a very successful future in the career she loves: “I find it very rewarding as well as challenging to work in a school environment with children and young adults with special needs.”
