Barbara – Transforming Lives for over 25 years
In 1977 Barbara Blackburn attended Preston College as a student which was formally known as WR Tuson College, she studied for her Level 3 National Nursery Examination Board qualification which gave her the qualification she needed to work in the childcare and early years industry. After gaining her qualification and working in a Day Nursery she ventured abroad to Canada Toronto to be a Nanny to two children. On her return she went back into employment in nurseries and worked her way up to be a Deputy Officer in charge, she then completed a teaching qualification and eventually returned to Preston College as a Teaching Support Tutor in 1999, based in the library.
“I started working in the library supporting students to complete their assignments and delivered classroom sessions. I then gained a permanent full-time position in the Early Years teaching department. On reflection teaching has certainly changed over the years, from acetates on overhead projectors, using a floppy disk to access the internet and being excited to receive an email to smartboards, smartphones and emails on the go.”
With over 25 years of teaching experience at Preston College Barbara has impacted the lives of many students. Every year the College holds an annual awards ceremony for staff and Barbara always receives numerous nominations. Students include their reasons for nominating Barbara and it’s always referenced how kind she is, how understanding, supportive and how she goes above and beyond for everyone she teaches. In 2022, Barbara was shortlisted for Tutor of the Year, but narrowly missed out to another tutor, however in July 2024 Barbara was once again shortlisted and was declared the winner. Here is an exert from one nomination:
“Barbara has been a huge help to me during my time at college. She always goes above and beyond to help us with our work, guiding me through the things I struggle with and giving me the support, I need. I wouldn’t have passed my course without her help. She is so supportive, friendly, and approachable, encouraging us to work hard and follow our dreams. She has also supported me. She loves her job and is very good at it.”
Students see that Barbara makes a positive difference to their lives, but what they might not know is that they have an impact on her, Barbara shares some of her memories:
“The College has always been a vibrant place to work and it is full of stories of how education can transform someone’s life, it isn’t just the education and qualifications part of it, it is also the experiences that come alongside it, enriching their learning, and helping them discover new things. As a college tutor, I have been the lead on countless enrichment trips and visits. One of my favourites was the yearly trip to London. The trip usually consisted of a visit to the Dungeons, a toy museum, the London Eye, or the Tower of London. Every year we also booked in to see a West End Show – for some it was awe-inspiring – for me it was so rewarding to see the students inspired.
Around 19 years ago, one of my students fell pregnant, and her Mum did not want anything to do with her and asked her to leave the house. I will always remember this student as she is one of many success stories. She worked so hard to complete her studies while pregnant and she succeeded. After a break to raise her little boy, she came back to complete her Level 2 and 3. I was so proud of her, she never gave up. She now works in a local primary school as a teaching assistant supporting the teacher in Reception.
One of the most rewarding things in my career is being able to go out into the early years settings to assess the students out on placement, and meeting my old students currently employed there. It is lovely to hear that they remember me and the things that I taught them, and that they have fond memories of their educational journey at Preston College. I’ve made lots of amazing memories over the years and the students always fondly remember the annual celebration events we used to hold. We held Valedictory balls which had a different theme every year for example “the movies” “masquerade ball” black and white” and even a ball one year with a sweet theme. The students nominated tutors and the tutors’ nominated students for different categories, we held speeches and the students loved to get dressed up, in their prom dresses and suits. These events were a fantastic way to end the year and are cherished memories for me and the students.”