She graduates from Teesside University this year with a First Class BA (Hons) Education Studies.
Chris, 46, is Deputy Head of School for Sixth Form Studies and Education, Management and Access at Hartlepool College of Further Education, where she lectures in health and social care.
She saw a return to education as a way of benefiting both herself professionally and also the students she teaches, as it helped to provide a sense of empathy, while also enabling her to remain abreast of developments in teaching.
Chris said: “I decided to embark on the degree for personal development, rather than professional development, although since completing the degree I’ve taken on a more senior role and now teach on the Certificate of Education and PGCE programmes.”
She completed the course part-time, studying at the University one evening each week. “It was interesting, as it helped me to see things through the eyes of a student and to empathise with them, as it reminded me of times when I’d maybe not felt as confident when first embarking on study.
“My background is in nursing and I initially completed the Certificate of Education at Stockton Riverside College.
Chris added: “The degree had a great blend of students, from mature to a few aged in their early twenties and they came from a range of backgrounds too, from those working in further education to primary school teaching assistants. It was great to share experiences from different teaching perspectives.
'I really enjoyed learning about policies and legislation and it was really useful in being able to link my dissertation to my job, which has helped in developing my own students and helping with their progress.'
Chris has put plans to continue to postgraduate study on hold, but hopes to embark on a MA course next year.