Claire Rushworth
Claire Rushworth, Teacher, Broadway Junior School
From a very young age Claire Rushworth wanted to be a primary school teacher and her home city university offered her the perfect route into her dream job.
Claire went from college to the University of Sunderland to study for her BA in Primary Education and is now celebrating a decade in teaching.
She said: "I knew the University of Sunderland had an excellent reputation for its teaching qualifications so being from the city the choice was simple.
"From as young as ten I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I loved primary school as a child and just knew it was what I wanted to do.
"The teaching degree course was great as it gave me a general grounding in all primary school subjects so I could teach across the curriculum.
"I really enjoyed the lectures and meeting other people. The course also boosted my confidence. I was only 20 when I qualified so having the experience of teaching practice and speaking in front of other people gave me the ideal preparation I needed.
"University also helped me get my first job which is where I still am today ten years later!"
Claire continued her education at the University of Sunderland going back to study for a Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning with ICT.
She said: "It took me three years to complete part-time which was hard work but very rewarding. I am always looking to further my skills and better myself which being affiliated with the university allowed me to do.
"Beginning the Masters helped me get promotion to Advanced Skills Teacher status. For the last four years, I have worked for the LEA one day a week, visiting other schools across the city to support teachers with their own ICT development."
Claire Rushworth, Teacher, BA (Hons) Primary Education, MA Teaching and Learning with ICT, Broadway Junior School
