TGt Meets IWD Special... Kelly of Bath College

Find out what Kelly, a Curriculum Manager's, thoughts on International Women's day as well as her experience working at Bath College in this special TGt Meets.

Tell us a bit about yourself …

I am the Curriculum Manager for the English Language School, Distance Learning and Projects within the Business & Technical skills department of Bath College. I have been here for 5 years now having started as the Employability Officer for the Adult Community Learning department.

I have 3 children, 2 dogs and 2 cats and I love to read, cook, do yoga and drink wine…sometimes all at the same time! Most of my weekends are spent on the side of a football pitch watching my boys play for our local team which I also sit on the committee of….and I am an unashamed TikTok addict!

What do you love most about your job?

I love seeing my adult students progress despite barriers to their learning – we get some amazing feedback about the confidence that achieving on our courses has given our learners. I love that everyday is different and I love that it constantly challenges me. The culture that we have which is focused on supporting others in achieving their goals.

What Is your proudest achievement?

Achieving my under grad and post grad degrees while working and raising my family. Me being able to do this through flexible online learning is what inspires me to support others in achieving their goals in this way too and makes me passionate about the provision of education for adults.

This year’s IWD theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ – what does this mean to you?

It means everyone having the same opportunities and support to be able to achieve their goals and reach their potential. We see this so often in my areas of the college as we are able to provide flexible learning to those who have to work around barriers which can prevent them from attending a “normal” in person, daytime delivered college course in order to achieve.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your career?

Being sacked from a role with no explanation as to why gave me huge confidence issues which I’ve had to build myself up from (and still suffer from imposter syndrome because of!). Working around childcare responsibilities meant taking a big step back in my career and retraining, which I haven’t regretted for a second, but balancing being a parent and wanting a career can be tough.

How do you balance your business and personal life?

Being super organised at home and at work, having a good support network around me both at home and in work, knowing when I need to take a step back and making sure I spend time with my family and friends and getting a good night sleep! It’s not always easy to step away from the emails and the phone but I try to make sure my phone is physically away from me at night to take the temptation away! I also find it really hard to say no to things – both personally and professionally – so this is something that I have to remind myself to assess if taking something on is realistic before I commit to it.

Which women inspire you the most?

A lady called Anna who was my first manager and mentor at Bath College who showed me a huge generosity in support, time and guidance and is now inspiring and supporting other women across the area working with the Women’s Work Lab.

My teenage daughter who is a ferociously independent and self-confident little feminist.

An ex-student of mine who had some really hard times but fought back, worked on herself from both a personal and educational perspective and now works with others to support them.

A colleague called Nicki who reminds me to laugh daily, not take myself too seriously and to stay positive.

Female refugees in our English Language School who are determined to learn English to support their children through school and to become part of our community.

I see and hear from inspirational women every day!

Visit the Bath College website.