Alex, who graduated from Edge Hill in 2012 with a degree in Primary Education with QTS, is a classroom teacher with Derbyshire County Council in Chesterfield. She appeared in the third episode of the new Milkshake! Story Den feature, where she read a story alongside presenter Derek and four children from local schools.
The opportunity came about after Alex spotted a Facebook advert inviting teachers and nursery staff to apply to take part in the new feature. Although the initial advert was aimed at nursery and Key Stage 1 teachers, Alex decided to apply, submitting a video of herself reading one of her son’s favourite storybooks.
Alex said: “I thought why not apply and sent a video of me reading one of my son’s story books. It was one that rhymed as these are my favourite to read.”
Alex was offered the chance to take part. She completed the necessary checks and forms, before travelling to London during the summer holidays for filming.
As someone who had watched Milkshake! for many years, Alex said that meeting some of the presenters and seeing the set was a particularly surreal experience.
Alex said: “The day itself was amazing. I had makeup done and then rehearsed the story a few times before filming it alongside Derek and four children from local schools. I loved being in the studio and it was great to see behind the scenes on the day.”
The experience became even more memorable when Alex shared the episode with her school without telling her colleagues that she would be appearing on the show.
“The look on their faces when my name popped up was something I’ll treasure for a long time!” she said. “It is definitely a career highlight and one I’ll not forget in a hurry.”
Alex’s career in education began shortly after graduating from Edge Hill. During her final year, she was elected Vice President of the Faculty of Education at the Students’ Union, having previously been involved as a student guide and student assistant.
As a student guide, Alex led campus and accommodation tours, attended UCAS fairs and delivered talks to prospective students. She also lived on campus during her second and third years as a student assistant, helping first-year students settle in and ensuring their experience on campus was safe and welcoming.
As Vice President of the Faculty of Education, Alex took part in talks, meetings and panels and helped to reintroduce the Student Led Teaching Awards in 2013.
She secured her first teaching job while working in her Students’ Union role and has since taught in five different schools across Key Stage 2. She has also taken on subject coordinator roles, worked with school councils and enjoyed taking pupils on trips and residentials.
One particularly memorable school trip saw Alex take a class to London. While having their photograph taken outside 10 Downing Street, the group was unexpectedly invited inside, where the pupils were able to visit the Cabinet Room.
Alex said: “It was a fabulous opportunity for the children – and us!”
Alex returned to teaching part-time after having her son in 2021 and continues to work in the classroom.
Alex chose Edge Hill because of its campus, having attended an Open Day and immediately feeling that it was where she wanted to study.
“I knew the university had a good reputation for teacher training but it was the campus that really drew me in,” she said. “I remember leaving an open day just knowing I had to do everything to make sure that was where I studied.”
Her favourite part of the course was the placement experience, which saw her work in schools in Telford, Burscough and Southport.
She also credits her time at Edge Hill with developing her confidence, collaboration skills and ability to build lasting relationships.
Alex added: “I loved my time at Edge Hill and will always look back with fond memories. It really is a special place and I’m proud to be a member of the alumni.”
Alex has attended several Edge Hill reunions since graduating and plans to attend many more in the future.
For now, despite joking that she would like to appear on more children’s television, Alex says the classroom is where she plans to continue.
You can watch Alex in Milkshake! Story Den – Feature Your Teacher, where she appears in Episode 3, via Channel 5.
Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University.
October 5, 2026
