Emma's story: becoming a teaching assistant

“My ambition was always to get my teaching assistant qualification. I never, ever thought I’d do this, but I have thanks to the amazing support I received from OSC!”

Emma, 35, Lake District

Emma has just completed her first-ever distance learning course with Open Study College and is eagerly awaiting her results as her coursework goes through moderation. Reflecting on her studies she said:

“I have just completed the CACHE Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning course which is the first course I have ever completed in this way. I chose distance learning because, as a mum of three young children, it fitted in really well with my current lifestyle and responsibilities. I was extremely fortunate that when I began my studies my husband talked me into handing in my notice at my job so I could focus all of my energies on my course.”

Living in the beautiful Lake District, Emma takes advantage of her home turf by walking the lakes with her family as much as she can. She also secured a work placement in the area to support her course:

“I know how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful location; looking back, this stunning area was a huge help keeping me motivated when I needed to complete some voluntary work at a local school as part of my course. Now my course has almost come to an end, so I’m looking at registering with a teaching agency to do some supply work in local schools to gain as much experience as I can in different settings.”

Emma weighs up the pros and cons of distance learning and praises Open Study College for its support throughout her journey:

“I have enjoyed the flexibility of distance learning; it has been really beneficial to my home life. I am quite ‘old fashioned' in the sense that I like to speak face to face with people, so I did find it difficult not being able to physically talk to my tutor. That being said, I cannot praise my tutor enough. She is very supportive and if I did have any questions or worries, she was so quick to help and reassure me!

“My advice to anyone thinking about distance learning is do it! I previously worked in retail and care jobs, but my ambition was always to get my teaching assistant qualification. I never, ever thought I’d do this, but I have thanks to the amazing support I received from OSC!”