Megan Gorman

I have always been passionate about working with children, particularly in the early years. After working as a Teaching Assistant for seven years while studying part-time, I became confident that pursuing a career in teaching was the right path for me.

With university places being limited in Northern Ireland, I undertook thorough research to find the best route into the profession. Through this process, I discovered Edge Hill University, whose strong reputation, positive interview experience, and close partnerships with schools in Northern Ireland stood out to me. These links meant I could gain valuable first-hand teaching experience both in England and back home in Northern Ireland. This combination of professional opportunity, supportive partnerships and high-quality training confirmed that Edge Hill was the ideal place for me to develop as a teacher.

One of my favourite aspects of studying at Edge Hill was the excellent balance between academic theory and practical placements. The course enabled me to apply what I was learning in lectures directly to classroom practice, which significantly strengthened my pedagogy and professional confidence. I particularly enjoyed the Forest School sessions led by Jackie Sumner, which deepened my understanding of child-centred, experiential learning and inspired my passion for outdoor, nature-based education.

During my time at Edge Hill, I developed key skills including confidence, resilience and the ability to think quickly on my feet. The combination of academic study and varied school placements helped me build strong confidence in both my subject knowledge and classroom practice. The demands of the course strengthened my resilience and ability to adapt to challenges, while working in dynamic classroom environments improved my ability to respond quickly and effectively to situations as they arose.

The Early Years team at Edge Hill provided outstanding support in preparing me for employment. They were particularly attentive to the differences between the English and Northern Irish education systems, and arranged sessions with the Education Authority to guide us through the process after qualification. This included advice on transferring teacher reference numbers and registering with the Northern Ireland Substitute Teacher Register. In addition, they organised workshops with headteachers to support interview preparation, cover letter writing and understanding what employers were looking for. This support was invaluable in helping me feel confident and ready to secure employment.

Alongside my degree, I also took on the role of Course Representative. This allowed me to act as a voice for my peers, communicating feedback between students and academic staff to enhance the learning experience. The role developed my leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as my confidence in speaking in professional settings. It was a rewarding experience that further prepared me for the collaborative nature of teaching.

The best thing about Edge Hill University for me has been the people and the overall experience. I made lifelong friends, shared countless memories, and developed skills that have shaped both my personal growth and professional journey.

After graduating, I secured a teaching role as a Reception and Year 4 teacher in Northern Ireland. A typical day in my job is busy, varied and full of energy. Whether we are engaged in outdoor learning, carrying out experiments or taking part in creative role play, every day brings something new. After the school day ends, I often continue developing learning spaces, such as outdoor areas, or supporting initiatives like the Eco Council. It is this creativity, collaboration and enthusiasm that makes the role so rewarding.

My favourite part of my job is working with the children. Their curiosity, energy and creativity make every day unique, and seeing them explore, learn and grow is incredibly rewarding.

My degree has thoroughly prepared me for my career through a combination of practical placements, targeted modules and employability support. The hands-on experience, alongside assessments focused on pedagogy and classroom practice, helped me build confidence and resilience. The strong links with schools and careers support also ensured I felt well prepared to transition into teaching.

Looking ahead, I hope to secure a permanent position and progress into a coordinating role, such as leading the World Around Us curriculum or becoming an Outdoor Learning Lead. In the longer term, I would also like to complete a Master’s degree in Special Education, allowing me to support a wider range of learners and further develop my impact as an educator.

For anyone considering this degree at Edge Hill, my advice would be to embrace the journey. There will be challenges, but each experience will help you grow both personally and professionally. Stay resilient, remain open to learning, and make the most of every opportunity – it will all be worth it in the end.