Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
BA (hons) Teaching and Education graduate making a difference to children with special educational needs
Laura, who graduates today, has balanced her studies with work as a Special Education Paraeducator, and believes that being able to pick and choose topics relevant to her to focus on has already made a difference to how she approaches teaching.
She says: “What I really enjoyed about the course was the freedom that you have.
“You might have a set module, but you got to choose what you wanted to focus on within that. For instance, most of my assignments last year I did on special needs learning and on nonverbal children. It was relevant to what I was actually doing and I could apply what I was learning.”
Born in Spain, Laura moved to Leeds from Blackpool for university, and immediately enjoyed studying and living in a big city.
“It’s obviously a student city, but it's also much more than that. You can see families, you can see professionals, there’s so much here.” Laura adds.
“If you want to have lots of fun as a student, you can, but then if that’s not your thing, there’s plenty of spaces for you too. We had people on our course who were in their fifties, and they loved being here too.”
Laura worked throughout her studies and believes that finding work experience during studies is all-important for anyone who wants to secure a job in the sector.
“It’s worth getting a good variation of experience through placements.” She continues.
“If you have three years and you do a placement in in a different sector each year, still related to education, I think you will know yourself better as a professional, just in terms of what you like, what you enjoy and what you don't.”
Laura also advises anyone thinking of applying to the university to visit an Open Day, adding that it’s particularly important for anyone moving to Leeds from a smaller town like she did.
“I definitely think going to an Open Day is worth it if you get a chance. It’s great to meet the people who might be your colleagues, and also to start to get to know some of your lecturers.
“It’s certainly good for getting to know Leeds and the university a bit better if you’re not from the area.”
In the short-term, Laura is going to continue her work in special education, however she has an eye on returning to the university in the near future.
“I’m looking at applying for a Masters within education that starts in January.
“Longer-term, I’d like to become a lecturer, or to work in special needs consultancy.”
Find out more about our Teaching and Education course.