Nigel Stewart

SENCO teacher, St Edwards Catholic Primary School and NASENCO student

I have proudly been in the teaching industry for 21 years. It is paramount to be able to relate to young people, be a good communicator and have the ability to read people well.

Wanting to become a teacher

I left school at 18 and went into banking but didn’t really get anywhere. I then worked for two years as a trainee estate agent. When I was 20, I needed a change, so I volunteered at a primary school for a week. I absolutely loved it and knew this was what I wanted to do, so I firstly embarked on an access course in 1997.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity

The first time round, I chose Leeds Trinity because of its reputation in training highly employable teachers. I knew that completing the course here would enable me to run a classroom and be trained in every possible way to be an effective teacher.

My best undergraduate student memories

I absolutely loved helping Mark Lowery with his presidential campaign during my student days. I drove round campus with him hanging out the sunroof with a megaphone - I was the driver of his campaign car! I’d like to think this worked as he was successful in being elected as the Students’ Union President.

What has changed

At the time I was leaving in 2002, the Library was being built (Andrew Kean Learning Centre). Many things have changed but Leeds Trinity is still a ‘home from home’ and one big family.

My career since graduating from my undergraduate course in 2002

My career flourished and I was a headteacher for five years. When I was in this role I always knew if we were recruiting new teachers from Leeds Trinity it guaranteed a mark of quality. I stepped down from the role as I required an operation and then during Covid I became an online tutor. After lockdown I then went on to undertake a SENCO role at St Edwards Catholic Primary School. In April 2023 I was given the chance to choose where I wanted to study for a NASENCO qualification. My choice was obviously to return to Leeds Trinity!

What I think makes a good teacher

I have proudly been in the teaching industry for 21 years. It is paramount to be able to relate to young people, be a good communicator and have the ability to read people well.

From my own experiences, I always appreciated dynamic and humorous teachers and that is what I have always set out to be.

What I love about the NASENCO course

Whatever stage you are at in your career, you are never too old to learn. The NASENCO course is very stimulating and the quality of the teaching by Bev Peartree is incredible, she has an exceptional skill set that is so vast and she goes into so much depth. Bev leads the course in a way that is both helpful and challenging so that all students can develop their practice and support the job we all currently do.

My advice to others contemplating training to teach

Choosing any course is a very big decision, but if you choose to attend Leeds Trinity you won’t be disappointed as you will be entering somewhere where you will be looked after and be part of an institution with strong ethics.

There is a strong support network in place and you will be fully equipped for employment after you graduate.