Maths tutor Molli achieves prestigious Advanced Teacher Status

Preston College Maths tutor Molli Bennion is celebrating, having achieved Advanced Teacher Status (ATS) with the Society for Education Training.

Wanting to contribute to improving overall organisational quality within education, Molli undertook coaching and mentoring of both teaching peers and PGCE students as part of the 18 month programme.

With particular focus on improving technology skills and the improved implementation of technology in both classroom and online learning, Molli led discussions with a range of internal stakeholders to implement and execute effective change.

Developing the maths department’s scheme for learning, a policy now adopted by the department, the ATS programme also provided Molli with opportunities to lead on action research projects, which focused on the improvement of Further Education maths teaching, alongside continued coaching and mentoring opportunities.

Describing the award as ‘the biggest challenge’ Molli said:

“To achieve Advanced Teacher Status I had to compile and submit a large portfolio of evidence, with the programme being one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken but one that I loved! Undertaking the programme has allowed me to develop as a professional and I now have a wider college voice.”

Continuing, she added:

“The programme has allowed me to develop my teaching practice and implement digital technology into lessons. Incorporating blending learning and a range of material to support learners, Nearpod is something I use in all lessons, and I am confident with incorporating technology into the classroom to support learner development”.

The 18 month programme allowed Molli to evaluate and challenge her own teaching practice, positively impacting current and future learners. Mentored by Assistant Head of Department for Maths and English, Laura, Molli undertook the programme alongside he full-time teaching role here at Preston College.

Commented on Molli’s achievements, mentor Laura said:

“Molli has embraced her ATS from the very beginning. Molli was already a good teacher but she knew she could improve and wanted to improve for herself, her learners, our department and our college. Molli is positive, she is innovative and she is resilient. She is welcoming of all suggestions and she is not afraid to try new things, reflecting throughout not only on her own practice but of the removal of barriers to learning and the benefits to learners. Throughout her journey, she has shared good practice, within both the maths and English teams, and this has been recently extended where she has become a Staff Voice representative and also a School Links representative, benefitting the practice of others and creating effective communication channels.

When Molli asked me to be her mentor, I was thrilled as I knew it was a special journey we were going to go through together. Molli has given her ATS course everything, showing 100% dedication and commitment throughout. The course has not been easy for her but with pure determination, she has grown both academically and professionally. The ATS course has become part of her everyday practice and even following the course, Molli will, and is determined to, continue to grow and develop, both personally and professionally. Molli has encouraged others to study the ATS course and following being awarded ATS status, Molli would be an excellent mentor for others. I am so proud of Molli and she should be proud of what she has achieved throughout her ATS course, she has been on a journey starting from being a good teacher and ending as an outstanding teacher. No one deserves ATS status more than Molli.”

Congratulations Molli, from everyone here at Preston College!