Stacey Manton
Stacey-Jane Manton is well on her way to becoming a teacher, supporting people whose shoes she was in just a couple of years ago, while showing her children that anything is achievable.
“My main background was a mix of leisure, hospitality, and retail management,” said Stacey, who had a wealth of experience working in senior roles in supermarkets, hotels and leisure centres. “The hours were just awful. I have children, and it was really full on, so I knew I needed to change things.”
Stacey moved into a role in the NHS as she sought more stable working patterns for her family, but it still felt like something was missing.
“I was a Ward Administrator, supporting matrons and ward managers, and I did that through the Covid pandemic. The pressures of that time made me realise how short life really is, and I saw that realisation as an opportunity to go and do something I’ve always wanted to do.”
She enrolled on an Access course at Heart of Worcestershire College, studying Social Science and Law.
“I really enjoyed it!” she said. “I didn’t expect to get into university, but I did, and I went on to get a degree in Criminology.”
As she looked to the future, Stacey was searching for a career that would combine work–life balance with purpose, fulfilment and happiness.
“I’d been inspired during my lectures throughout my access course and my degree, and I remember thinking: ‘I could do that’.”
Stacey applied for a place on the PGCE (Further Education) course at the University of Worcester.
“It was so nice for me to have somewhere near to where I lived,” she said. “And when I spoke to the people on the course they were always really supportive, so helpful, and they just made me feel like coming onto the course I was going to be really well looked after.”
“I also really liked that it was placement-based,” she added. “That meant I could go and get teaching work experience, which is something I hadn’t had up until this point.”
Now, Stacey is working towards her PGCE and is on the final stretch before the summer.
“I’m on a placement at the moment on the very access course I did,” she said. “I’m teaching these students, and I’m looking at them thinking ‘I was one of you a few years ago!’. It’s a real full-circle moment.”
She said she relates well to her students because she can model her own journey to them at this crucial time in theirs.
“My experiences mean I’m able to support students so much better because I understand what they’re going through, what they’ve been through, and I can help them with my advice.”
What started as a desire to move away from roles that kept her from her family has now become a career that gives her time with her children and a sense of belonging to drive and motivate her.
“As a mum of three, teaching is perfect because I am off at the same time as the kids are on their school holidays, so it doesn’t just work for me; it works for all of us,” she said.
Stacey added: “When I was doing my access course, one of the teachers said to me, ‘what you have to think of is no matter how hard you have to work now, you’re showing your children what a role model you are, and you’re showing them that whatever you do, you can succeed, no matter what you’ve been through.’”
Mike Tyler is a lecturer in Initial Teacher Training for Further Education at the University of Worcester, and taught Stacey on her course.
“Stacey has thrown herself into the PGCE this year,” he said. “She has rapidly progressed as a teacher. Her Access students really thrive in her welcoming but focussed classroom.”
He continued: “On the PGCE we get to know our trainees really well. All of them have a Personal Academic Tutor, a subject specialist and mentor to provide lots of support from day one to graduation, and often beyond.”
“The Further Education sector is always on the lookout for new teachers with a background in vocational, technical and academic areas,” he offered. “That’s why the PGCE is open to trainees to teach in any subject that is taught in the sector.”
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