What I love most about working with students is how much they challenge me. Media is such a creative subject, and there are so many ways to approach things. I have my go-to methods from industry, but the students constantly push me to look at things differently, they challenge not just how I create, but how I teach. It keeps me on my toes and turns every lesson into a puzzle to figure out what really clicks for them AND me!
I’ve studied Media since I was 14, which has pretty much shaped everything I’ve done since. I went on to study Television Production at Bournemouth University, before working as a Floor Manager in a live TV studio. After that, I joined the University of Essex as a Media Technician and Content Creator, where I got to blend my technical knowledge with creative production work. All of that experience has fed directly into what I now bring to my teaching practice at NKC.
I’ve always been interested in helping people learn. Back in secondary school, I’d spend my free periods mentoring younger Media students, which planted the seed for teaching early on. Being neurodivergent, I’ve never really thrived with traditional learning styles, so I’ve always had a drive to make learning more adaptable and inclusive for others who might feel the same. When I transitioned from industry, I was really encouraged to bring my professional experience straight into the classroom. I’ve been given a lot of flexibility to shape projects and lessons that reflect current industry practice, which has made the curriculum feel authentic and relevant to my learners.
I was nervous about doing my full teaching qualification, mostly because I’ve always struggled in formal education settings. But the Teaching and Learning team were incredibly supportive and open to adjustments that worked for me. It’s really reshaped how I think about teaching; not just what I’m teaching, but how and why. Blending theory with industry skills has made me a far more intentional and reflective practitioner. I've not only seen my teaching improve since, but also my continuing professional work outside of the classroom. Overall, the college has been fantastic in giving me the space to develop and trusting my professional judgement. The Teaching and Learning team in particular have been brilliant, supportive and generous with their time, and that’s made a huge difference in helping me grow into the role