Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring Courses at DCG
Are you aiming to change your career to a rewarding role in teaching? Do you already work in education and need to update your skills and knowledge? Or would you like to head overseas teaching English as a foreign language?.
Derby College could have the ideal course to help you achieve your ambitions.
We offer high-calibre, relevant and up-to-date teacher training, including specialist courses in teaching disabled Students and teaching English to speakers of other languages.
You will be working towards recognised qualifications that meet latest professional standards and offer clear progression routes to success in a worthwhile career.
Friendly and Inspirational Staff
Our friendly and experienced team of staff will inspire you through a blend of classroom-based learning, research, tutorials, lesson observations and insights into the latest learning technologies. Throughout, you will have the chance to apply theory to your own practice.
Teacher training courses take place at our award-winning Roundhouse campus which provides leading-edge vocational learning facilities.
Meet the Team
Michael Thompson, MA Ed, PGCE, FSET
Michael is the manager of the Professional Education, Training and Development Academy. He is an enthusiastic educator within the FE sector and an experienced teacher practicing in both Secondary and Further Education in academic contexts and specialising in the teaching of A levels across a range of humanities subjects. Having gained this experience alongside academic achievement he currently lectures on the PGCE and Cert Ed teacher qualifications, allowing for his experience to support the development and understanding of teaching practices in a wide range of educational settings.
Most recently he continues to work on educational trust boards to enhance recruitment practices of teaching professionals across D2N2 and continues working to enhance the standards of teaching and learning across a range of centres and Trusts within the region. Accounts of these experiences have been published in education media.
Sally Jarvis BEd (Hons), MA, FHEA
Sally is an experienced teacher with an excellent track record in delivering on a range of programmes, and in a variety of learning contexts. Prior to becoming the programme leader for the Certificate in Education and PGCE programmes, Sally has held a number of roles within the FE sector. These have included working with learners at a variety of educational levels, managing college curriculum departments and whole college Inclusion Services. She has delivered accredited qualifications and championed the design of bespoke learning programmes for individual learners. Sally’s professional interests include disability and inclusive practice, as well as effective communication, leadership and educational management.
Rhiannon Kelly BA (Hons), PGCE, MA
Rhiannon is an experienced teacher with over 11 years’ experience of working in the FE sector. Prior to becoming a teacher for the Certificate in Education and PGCE programme Rhiannon has experience of working as an Educational Support Worker, where she supported learners within their course in a variety of vocational areas. Rhiannon spent 10 years preparing, delivering, and assessing on the Travel and Tourism programme, teaching this subject at various levels at DCG. Rhiannon’s professional interests include exploring the use of digital technology in teaching, motivation and effective communication.
Lesley Jackson (BA Hons), MA, PGCE, Chartered FCIPD
Lesley is an experienced training and development professional with an excellent track record in establishing trusting partnerships with clients and engaging and motivating learners in groups and on a one-to-one basis. She has designed and delivered training for managers and front-line staff, working in a variety of sectors, for example, education, housing, retail, transport and the local government. Lesley’s specialist areas include coaching & mentoring, and train the trainer courses, as well as leadership and effective communication, presentation & facilitation skills and diversity & inclusion. She has successfully trained people from all levels in organisations up to board members, as well as non-employees such as contractors, volunteers and community resident groups.
Nicole Harley BA (Hons), PGCE
Nicole is the teacher and co-ordinator for the Level 2, 3 and 4 Supporting Teaching and Learning programmes in the academy. She is a very enthusiastic educator working with learners within a broad range of provisions, including adult education, 16-19 provisions and early years. Nicole’s professional interests include child development, theoretical perspectives and inclusion. Nicole has utilised her skills and experience within the teaching assistant programmes and is continuing to develop the curriculum area, to enhance the learning experience for trainee teaching assistants.
Emily Woodgate BA (Hons), PGCE, A1
Emily is a teacher on the Level 2/3 Supporting Teaching and Learning programmes. As well as teaching our TA courses, Emily also visits schools to assess teaching assistant trainees and reviews the progression of her students. Emily also carries out classroom observations for those on our Certificate in Education and PGCE programmes. With over 12 years’ experience within the education sector, from early years through to adult education, Emily is extremely passionate about high quality teaching and learning and actively promotes this to enable trainees to become excellent teaching assistants, and teachers.
Risha Schmelich A1, PTTLS, CTTLS, EPA, IQA
Risha is an experienced trainer assessor, and IQA, and has worked in the education sector and apprenticeship organisations for over 16 years, with experience in delivering Early Years and teaching assistant qualifications. Risha enjoys engaging and motivating her learners either in groups online or in class as well as providing one to one support as required. Risha mostly enjoys the part of her role where she will go out into schools and observe her learners in practice. This is where she will use her skills as an EPA to develop and support her learners in order to prepare them for their end point assessment.
Louise Sabin HLTA, TAQA
Louise is an experienced assessor on the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programme. Louise has worked in primary schools for twelve years, gathering a wealth of experience working with children in years 1 – 6. Louise spent six years as a HLTA, working predominantly with year 5 and 6 pupils, carrying out whole class teaching and focussed intervention groups. Although new to adult education, Louise is passionate about using her knowledge, skills and experience to support others to become excellent, valuable teaching assistants in the classroom.
Ruth Dews BA (Hons), PGCE, A1, IQA, EQA, CIPD, IAG, C&M
Ruth is an experienced teacher, assessor, IQA, EQA and Programme/Quality Manager. Ruth has worked with learners undertaking a wide range of subjects at various levels within FE colleges, training providers and prison education. She has mentored trainee teachers, helped colleagues to prepare for Ofsted visits, managed and conducted observations of teaching and of information, advice and guidance, and developed the skills of assessor and IQA colleagues as well as those in other establishments through her work as an EQA. Within the Professional Education, Training and Development team, Ruth coaches and assesses trainee assessors and IQAs, motivated to ensure that all assessments and quality assurance processes are carried out to high standards.
Kellie Hall L3 A&G
Kellie Hall is an experienced administrator and has worked in the Professional Education Academy for over 18 years. Her vital role includes offering advice and guidance to potential learners, and she has a key role in recruiting and enrolling learners for a variety of programmes that we offer. Her excellent organisational skills ensures the smooth running of the office and support of the whole team. Kellie is also involved in the sales and marketing of all our courses. Her knowledge and understanding of the programmes is essential in offering advice and guidance to our learners. Kellie’s expert knowledge and strong communication skills are an essential asset to the smooth running of the Academy. Kellie will be very happy to offer advice regarding all of our courses.
Latest News
Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring – Course Listings
Adult and Community (23)
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 13/03/2025
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 06/11/2024
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 05/11/2024
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Workplace
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Workplace
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 03/02/2025
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 29/09/2025
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 03/02/2025
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 29/09/2025
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Workplace
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Offsite
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Workplace
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 05/02/2025
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 02/10/2025
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Workplace
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Workplace
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: Flexible
Apprenticeships (5)
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: Offsite
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: The Roundhouse
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: The Roundhouse
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: Offsite
Higher Education (2)
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 09/09/2025
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: The Roundhouse
Start Date: 09/09/2025
Key Information
Our Teachers
At Derby College we believe the best tutors are usually those who have real world experience of working in the field they’re teaching. So, in most cases, you’ll be taught by someone who has worked in the industry that you wish to enter. As well as being able to share their knowledge and experiences with you, they have crucial industry connections, which is a huge benefit when it comes to helping you to secure a work placement in your chosen field.
As part of your studies at Derby College we offer a full range of assistance to ensure you have a great learning experience.
Our facilities and location
Discover our campuses and facilities here. Each campus page contains:
- 360-degree images of our facilities
- A location map
- A list of courses that are run at the campus
- Student Success Stories
Find out more
How to Apply
Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring – Success Stories
Clare Currie
Adult and Community
Lauren Breeson
Adult and Community
Marek Piontkowski
Higher Education
Lisa Rashid
Part-time Adult
Ben Hirst
Adult and Community
Debra Adlington
Higher Education
Leah Meakin
Apprenticeship
Charlotte Willoughby
Apprenticeship