A COLLEGE lecturer who inspires her students with innovative ways to ‘feel’ their subject rather than just read it, has been rewarded for her decades-long efforts.
Darlington College senior lecturer in education and early years Emma Clegg has been highly commended in the CACHE Outstanding Achievement Award.
Her innovations over the past 24 years have included making students use a wheelchair, wear a blindfold, put on ageing suits with gloves and ear defenders to recreate the health issues many of their eventual clients live with.
“I’ll then set them mundane tasks, such as going to the toilet to wash their hands or sending an email so they can see just how hard that is,” said Emma, of Richmond.
“Every year I try to inspire people in different ways so they can retain the knowledge they will be examined on, so you have to be innovative and adapt, particularly around technology. I always keep on top of the topic and make sure I’m tech-savvy.”
From a world of acetates and overhead projectors when Emma started to teach she now uses the latest AI to help students learn.
“I can use AI to condense a 100 page document around laws and legislation into a podcast of two people talking about the issues,” she said. “I have always been really passionate about this and strive to help students reach their full potential.”
The CACHE award celebrates individuals who have made a lasting and meaningful contribution to care and education.
With a career that spans almost 25 years, Emma has taught and mentored thousands of students across a wide range of early years and education programmes.
From Level 2 Safeguarding to T Level Childcare and Education, her work has helped learners achieve their ambitions, grow in confidence and build careers they once thought were out of reach. Many have returned to college to work by her side.
Claire Boyce now coaches in health and social care at the college where at 16 she studied under Emma, returning when she was 25 to do a foundation degree, then starting working there three years ago.
She said: “She inspired me to become a nursery teacher. She is so insightful, especially around safeguarding and I love working at the college with her now.”
Emma was nominated for the award by Darlington College’s curriculum manager for health, childcare, public services and science Mick O'Reilly.
He said: “From the very beginning, she’s brought care, creativity and humour to every lesson making learning not just effective, but genuinely enjoyable. Her thoughtful planning, deep subject knowledge and ability to make complex topics accessible have made her a much-loved and respected educator.
“Emma has become one of the most caring and supportive members of staff. She constantly pushes the boundaries of knowledge, learning new skills to help learners succeed and enjoy their time at college.
“Emma is the ‘go to’ person when something unexpected or challenging happens. She brings calm, reassurance and practical advice, no matter the situation. Her presence has a genuinely positive impact on the college community.”
CACHE group sales director Anthony Horne added: “We are passionate about qualifications and people gaining the skills they need in life and I cannot think of a better person who embodies that than Emma.”