Get Into Teaching: Kerry Nash's story



Kerry Nash, 40, from Grays, didn’t follow the traditional university route straight after school and instead chose to work, first in retail and then as a Teaching Assistant at a primary school.

She then decided to upskill herself and take the necessary training steps to become a fully qualified teacher. First she studied for her degree via The Open University alongside working and looking after her daughter.

She then undertook her PGCE with South Essex College. Eventually gaining employment at the college as a Teaching and Learning Specialist, supporting the improvement of teaching, learning and assessment across the campuses.

Kerry said: “The PGCE course was tough but it definitely prepared me for teaching. It also gave me the opportunity to work alongside different lecturers who taught a variety of subjects. 

“Teaching is a tough job but is it’s also one of the most rewarding. To witness a learner finally understand something, or realise that they can do something they previously thought impossible, is an amazing feeling.”

For more information about training to become a teacher, visit https://www.southessex.ac.uk/teaching-and-training