Dear Alumni,

Happy World Teachers' Day and welcome to the ICE newsletter, which keeps you up to date with news, events and opportunities specifically tailored for alumni of the Institute of Childhood and Education (and all educational courses prior to its formation).  

We are never shy in shouting about how proud we are of all our teachers and those that work in nurseries, classrooms and other educational settings all over the world – and last week, we shared that we are extremely proud to continue to build on our history as an accredited initial teacher training provider, following the Department for Education's ITT review. Read more.

It has also been great to get out and meet some of our teachers again. A few months ago we caught up with Headteacher Michelle Blanchard MBE (Primary Education, 2005) when we visited her at Beckfoot Allerton Primary and Nursery. Michelle (pictured above), who was awarded an MBE in January this year for her services to education, spoke to us about what it meant to receive the award, what makes a good teacher and her top tips for new teachers. Read more. 

Ed Podesta, Senior Professional Practice Fellow in ICE, has shared his thoughts as we recognise teachers around the world today.

His blog focuses on the meaning of teaching today, the role teachers have to support children but also how important it is to look after our teachers and encourage more to train to teach. Read more

Earlier this week we were delighted to welcome two teaching alumni back to campus, as it marked 50 years since their journey began with us.

In 1972, Julie Fields (Baker) started her English course and Gwen Chiosso (Cowling) started Sociology. 

We recently caught up with Charlotte Preston (Primary Education, 2021), who you may recall from the last ICE newsletter had been nominated for a 'newcomer of the year' award. 

After graduating, Charlotte secured a role at the school where she did her final placement. Find out more about how and why she settled so quickly, what it meant to her to be nominated and her top tips for new teachers in her alumni profile.

Deputy headteacher Ashley Lund (Primary Education, 2012) has utilised his skills and passion as an arts leader to partner with world renowned organisations. He has secured Artsmark's platinum rating, the highest accreditation for any school.

These experiences have not only benefited the pupils, as in his leadership role it has enabled him to drive change and grow other teachers and leaders. Read more about Ashley and his career highlights.

Stefano Pianigiani moved from Italy to start his PGCE (Provider Led – Modern Foreign Languages, 2017). After graduating he was able to utilise the continued support of the ICE lecturers which really helped him during his first few years as a teacher.

Benefiting from the alumni discount and knowing the quality and support of the lecturers, Stefano returned to do the MA in Education. Read more.

Are you an education professional, like Stefano, who is looking to take the next step in your learning? Whether you’re in the early stages of your education career or you have extensive experience this course could be your ideal next step.

The MA Education is a stimulating part-time programme designed to develop and strengthen your identity, critical confidence and academic expertise as a serving educational professional. Find out more from our website and email our admissions team about applying.