Welder Andy Sparks Love Of Learning
13 January 2012
Primary school teacher Andy Cox, in his classroom at Fairmeadow's Primary
Although I had to work hard to juggle my responsibilities I know that the decision to follow my dream of becoming a primary school teacher was the right one.
”Andy Cox
When single dad Andy Cox attended his daughter's 'bring a parent to school day' he got more than he bargained for, as the classroom experience resulted in a life-changing decision to end his career as a welder and re-train as a primary school teacher.
Andy's proud daughter, Katy, who took him to school that day, will be watching on January 20 2012 as he graduates from the University of Derby with a First Class honours degree and an award for excellence.
On a fateful day in 2005 Andy, now 41, from Swadlincote, was taken along to school by Katy, who was then aged five. The classroom experience, and the way children positively responded to his presence inspired Andy to end his 18 year career as a welder and embark on a journey to become a primary school teacher.
Since completing the BEd (Hons) degree in Primary Education at Derby in July 2011 Andy has secured a teaching post at Fairmeadows Primary School in Newhall, Swadlincote, and is now fulfilling his dream.
But as he explains, as a mature student and single parent, the road to his new-found career wasn't always easy.
Andy said: "As I left school at the age of 16 to became a welder I had few formal qualifications, so my decision to re-enter education to become a teacher was met with a lukewarm reaction at best by lots of people. I was told that I would lose certain benefits, could get into debt, that it would take me many years and that teaching could be beyond me.
"But despite coming up against a lot of negativity and opposition I was still determined to teach, so I approached the University of Derby who I knew had a fantastic reputation for teaching programmes.
"The University staff I met were incredibly encouraging and helpful, outlining the route I could take from an access course to newly qualified teacher, and showing me that even though I would be over 40 when I graduated I would have 25 years to enjoy my new profession.
"I realised that it was now or never and so took voluntary redundancy from my role as a welder and began the Access to Learning course at Derby."
Although being out of formal education for more than 18 years, Andy soon made friends with the other students and began to enjoy the hands-on creative nature of learning sessions, and school placements.
"The first day I stood in front of a class full of expectant children was incredibly nerve-racking, but by the end of the first school placement I was confident in my abilities, and planning and teaching full lessons," he said.
"We also organised, promoted and ran a foundation week, where we invited students from local schools to come into the University for a week of lessons based around the foundation subjects of History, Geography, ICT, Modern Foreign Languages, and the Arts. It was during this challenging but enjoyable week that I took stock of my learning at the University and realised how far I had come from my days as a welder, not only academically, but also in my teaching and management skills."
Programme Leader on the BEd Primary Education at the University, Sharon Bell, said: "At a time when more male teachers are needed in primary schools, Andy is a fantastic example to other men who are thinking about it as a career.
"Even though he was initially concerned about undertaking a full time course as a mature student and a single father, Andy brought a great deal of enthusiasm and energy to the programme, and his passion for teaching has shone throughout his time at Derby. We know he will be a fantastic and inspirational teacher and are delighted to see him graduate today."
It wasn't always easy for Andy who, as a single parent to Katy, had to balance his time between his studies, work placements and parenting.
He added: "Although I had to work hard to juggle my responsibilities I know that the decision to follow my dream of becoming a primary school teacher was the right one. As I graduate and have begun teaching for real I know that life will only get better and better."
For more information on teaching at the University of Derby visit www.derby.ac.uk/education
