Meet Curriculum Team Leader in Computing at Middlesbrough College, Samantha Smethurst!
Samantha has worked at the College for seven years now and has even achieved a First honours degree in the process.
“I started my career as a Teaching Assistant at Park End Primary School and I was there for 11 years. I started volunteering at the school when my daughter was in nursery and was offered the job as a Teaching Assistant after this. I was a single parent, and the role supported me throughout this time, working in the same school as her.
“After my daughter started secondary school, I knew I needed a change and it was time to look for a career path, therefore I applied to the Computing Foundation Degree. It was during my final year of my Foundation Degree that I applied for and successfully gained a role in the Computing department at Middlesbrough College. I really enjoyed studying for my degree at Middlesbrough College, and the College supported me immensely. In my first year of study, I was pregnant with my second child, and throughout the three years during my degree the support and flexibility from the College and staff was a huge help. Especially being pregnant and then having a new born child!
“I have now worked at Middlesbrough College for just over seven years and have loved every minute of it! I feel like I’m constantly progressing and moving up in my career, from starting as an Hourly Paid member of staff to recently being promoted to Curriculum Team Leading in Computing, I can’t fault the progression.
“Studying at Middlesbrough College has most certainly changed my life. I have been here for 9 years now! I completed my PGCE, and my Top up Degree. I have now been CTL for 18 months and the opportunities I have had over my time have given me confidence to strive further. I am now Lead CPTE for the ETF on delivering Digital T Levels, attending London for this role. I have been invited to be a guest speaker at many different T Level networking events. Something I could never have seen myself doing 8 years ago!
“One of the things I love the most about my job is my colleagues and my students, we feel like one big family. The pastoral care we offer our students and the relationships we build is so rewarding. It gives me pride at the end of the year to see students succeed and hearing from ex-students on how their careers have progressed.
“Since starting my role at Middlesbrough College I have achieved a First in my BSc honours degree in Information Technology and Computing, which was a great achievement and a very proud moment for me.
“In my spare time I do a lot of running and I am the Co-Event Director for Stewart parkrun which I really enjoy being part of!”