Beth Hall

Occupation:
Part-Time Lecturer at University Centre Rotherham

Course studied: PGCE Part Time

Beth works part-time as a lecturer within the University Centre Rotherham’s Education department. She completed her PGCE at University Centre Rotherham in the summer of 2024.

Alongside her teaching role, she also works as a Higher Education achievement coach for RNN Group. It was after starting this role four years ago that she considered taking the teaching route.

Beth’s Story

“I’d never thought about being a teacher. I did my degree in sociology and criminology and wanted to go into the probation service. But after doing some voluntary work I wasn’t sure it would be for me. I’d always liked working with people, especially underprivileged people, and starting looking at support roles within education which is how I ended up in the HE achievement coach role.”

As part of her CPD as an RNN staff member, Beth was encouraged to do a level 3 award in education and training, a 12 week course for adult learners that gave her a taste for teaching.

“As part of the course I had to do a 30 minute micro-teaching session. That was such a massive thing for me as I’d never thought of myself as a confident person. I know that I’m good one-on-one with people but I didn’t think I’d be able to stand up and teach in that way. I remember being really proud of myself afterwards.”

After finishing the level 3 award, Beth decided to enrol on the part-time PGCE course at University Centre Rotherham. As part of the course, she did a work placement within the department, teaching on the foundation degree course. As her lectures were in the evenings, she was able to continue working full-time in her role at RNN Group.

“I’m lucky to have studied somewhere where learning was so easily accessible. Studying locally made a huge difference for me. If I’d have gone elsewhere, would I have been able to get there in time after work? Or would I have had to use my annual leave to do a daytime course?”

“I also had lots of encouragement from the curriculum team at University Centre Rotherham. Maybe I’d have got there on my own but I needed someone to plant that seed and believe in my ability to become a teacher.”

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University Centre Rotherham recognises that adult education is a powerful tool for personal growth, economic resilience, and social cohesion. Across the region and UK, adults are gaining the skills to progress in their careers, build confidence, and connect with others. The impact reaches far beyond the classroom as employers’ benefit from a more adaptable workforce, communities grow stronger, and society becomes more inclusive.

With the right support, course and training, adults through adult learning can address multiple challenges at once – from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.

University Centre Rotherham – working to transform lives, empower communities, and drive sustainable growth.