Random Story from "The Learning Never Ends" book.

I wanted to teach ever since leaving school, but instead I had a long career in the Civil Service and then worked in the Community Sector. However I took all my third level education through part-time study and these experiences, and my work in a women’s centre, encouraged me to take the plunge and become a tutor.

I became involved with the WEA in 2002 as Centre Manager with First Steps Women’s Group in Dungannon, working in partnership to provide a range of courses for the women attending the centre. I became aware of the variety of courses that the WEA offers and the enormous amount of support, encouragement and professional guidance they offer their users.

I began tutoring for the WEA in October 2005. Having been extremely impressed by the unique service the WEA provides I felt confident that this was an organisation that would not only provide excellent opportunities for work, but that would have a vested interest in my development. I wasn’t wrong as I gained brilliant learning and support through its Community Tutor Training course

I love seeing a group gel and begin to work together and support each other. At the start neither you nor the students know quite what to expect. So I try to make everyone feel at ease and able to share their expectations and fears and get to know everyone in the class. Usually by the third session the group are performing well together. I get great satisfaction at this stage and reassurance that I can do the job.

I’ve also been very privileged to observe some people in my classes move on to further study and in some cases employment. These have been extremely rewarding experiences and have helped me believe in myself as a good tutor.

I believe that two words can sum up my experiences with the WEA – exciting and empowering.

Johanna Donaghy
(WEA Tutor)