Lecturer Tori Swaps Law for Literature

Stoke on Trent College Lecturer, Tori Hamilton, has swapped a career in law to inspire learners who are studying GCSE English.

Tori had been a Personal Injury Lawyer for 7 years, but she wanted a change from the corporate world and decided to take her PGCE teaching qualification.

She is now in her second year as an English lecturer at the college, and is relishing the opportunity to help learners who may not have had the best previous education experience reach their full potential.

“I did enjoy my career (in Law), but I felt as though I wasn’t doing anything to help people. I wanted to help and inspire others,” she said.

“It’s always been my goal to support GCSE learners, as these learners often need our guidance the most – a fresh start and a new chance. I wanted to be the sort of teacher who could show you that you can have a fresh start. I want to instil ambition and help these learners flourish.”

Tori notes how the course curriculum has been designed to help build the fundamentals and fill in the gaps.

“Rather than pushing through, we focus on skills-based activities that will build their confidence in English. Learners come to us thinking they can’t do it, and they never will. We show them they can; our goal is to rewrite their script,” Tori said.

When talking about the difference between teaching young people and adults, she said,

“Teenagers sometimes don’t have the hindsight, and don’t see the value of the GCSE and the opportunities it can create. On the other hand, adults can see the value because of their life experiences and focus from day one.

“A lot of adults are taking GCSEs because they need them to get to their next career goal.”

One of Tori’s teaching highlights to date was working with a learner named Pharrell, who went from initially failing his re-sit exam to winning a creative writing competition.

“Pharrell started the year as someone capable but a bit laid back. He had been disenchanted because he didn’t get the grades in school, and after getting a similar grade in his November exam, he was annoyed. We had a frank conversation, and looked at ways he could improve, and he went from strength to strength, winning a creative writing competition,” Tori said.

“His story showed he was experimenting with tips and tricks we talked about, and he’s come back this academic year with a renewed desire; a what we call ‘prepare to pass’ mindset.”

Tori also noted the rollercoaster of results day, as you have some learners who get their desired grades and others who don’t.

“One learner’s parent hugged me, which was lovely!

“It was great to see the positive impact we have on their futures,” she said.

For anyone considering a career in teaching, Tori has also shared the following advice…
“Get as much experience as possible, and watch others teach and utilise ideas, strategies and resources you learn. It’s in your first few years of teaching that you should experiment, trying new activities and behaviour strategies. Believe in yourself.”

Tori has also built a synergy with the GCSE English team since joining Stoke on Trent College, which helps support the one-team ethos of the college.

“Here at Stoke on Trent College, we’ve got some very capable staff who are great at their job, but most importantly, they are also very kind.

“Kindness sits at the heart of the GCSE English team,” Tori concluded.

Find out more about careers at Stoke on Trent College.