My Journey at Runshaw College: A Supportive and Inspiring Place to Work
Jen Deakin, an Advanced Practitioner in the School of Visual Arts, joined Runshaw College in 2021 as a Teacher of Graphic Design. Since then, her career has flourished, earning her a coveted spot as one of just six recipients of the prestigious Technical Teaching Fellowship. With a specialism in Artificial Intelligence, her ground breaking project, AI’s Role in Transforming Further Education and Reducing Teacher Workload, showcases her innovative approach to education. Jen’s journey has been truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see what she accomplishes next!
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into teaching?
Before moving into education, I worked as a Graphic Designer for the Manchester Evening News and ran my own freelance Graphic Design business. My journey into teaching began unexpectedly when my former Graphics teacher invited me back to deliver a talk and workshop for students. That experience sparked something in me and I realised how much I enjoyed working with young people, which led me to pursue a teaching qualification and a career in Further Education.
What do you enjoy most about working at Runshaw College?
I was initially drawn to Runshaw for its outstanding national reputation and competitive salary. However, what truly sets it apart is the incredible sense of community. The college fosters a welcoming and supportive environment, where both staff and students thrive. The behaviour of our students is exemplary, and the stunning woodland campus provides an inspiring setting for learning and teaching.
How has Runshaw supported your professional development?
Runshaw has provided me with incredible opportunities for growth. Before stepping into my current role as an Advanced Practitioner, I benefited from the college’s extensive CPD programme, which has since become a key part of my own work. Beyond this, I have attended national conferences such as the Festival of Education and Curriculum Conferences, as well as ETF courses and webinars.
The college has also supported me in completing a Level 5 ILM Diploma in Leadership and Management, securing a Technical Teaching Fellowship with the ETF, and pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Sunderland. The encouragement and investment from senior leaders in my development have been invaluable and have truly shaped my career.
What is the work culture like at Runshaw?
I am lucky to be part of two outstanding teams—the School of Visual Arts and the Advanced Practitioner Team. The Visual Arts team has been incredibly supportive, particularly as I transitioned into teaching A Level courses. The Advanced Practitioner Team is an inspiring group of colleagues who constantly share best practices, support one another, and serve as a valuable sounding board for new ideas.
Beyond the daily work, Runshaw fosters a sense of belonging through events like staff wellbeing days, the annual Runshaw Picnic, and the Runshaw Ramble. These events bring colleagues from all departments together, reinforcing the inclusive and supportive culture that makes Runshaw such a great place to work.
If you had to highlight one key reason to work at Runshaw, what would it be?
The commitment to professional development and culture of continuous improvement truly make Runshaw stand out. The college invests in its staff, ensuring that we feel valued, motivated, and equipped to excel in our roles. Being part of such a forward-thinking institution is something I take great pride in.
