To mark World Teachers’ Day on 5 October, ACL Essex celebrated the transformative role that tutors play in shaping learners’ lives across the county. Learners from a wide range of courses shared heartfelt messages of gratitude, highlighting the knowledge, confidence and life-changing opportunities that ACL tutors have provided.
From Health and Social Care to Early Years and GCSE English, learners consistently praised the dedication and support of their teachers.
One learner, reflecting on their Health and Social Care training, said: “My experience overall has been top-notch; it has been an eye opener. It’s helped me to upgrade my knowledge in health and social care as it’s a broad sector. My training with ACL has added to my knowledge both practically and theoretically. The tutor’s guidance has really enlightened me on best practises both at work and in life generally.”
Another learner shared how ACL’s support helped them progress in their career: “The Nightingale Care Bursary has supported me in the delivery of my role and progression into more senior roles. The bursary has also supported my knowledge of the delivery of care at a much higher level and has given me the confidence and knowledge to lead. The course has also been amazing from the point of view that I can learn at my own pace, in my own time and with the support of a tutor.”
Learners in the Early Years sector also expressed their appreciation: “Now that I know I want to work within the Early Years sector moving forward, it’s comforting to know there is further funding available for the future and my career. Otherwise, I would’ve had to go back to my old career. I have been happy with everything since starting my course and taking that step of going back into education. My tutor was lovely.”
The impact of individual tutors was particularly clear in learners’ GCSE journeys. Sophie, from Silver End, who achieved her English GCSE with ACL Essex, said: “I’ve had really good tutors, so I’m happy. It’s been amazing, my English tutor, Angela, has been incredible, she’s been so supportive. She’s really helped me; I wouldn’t have managed without her. She even leant me a laptop to take home – thank you, Angela!”
Charlie, from Walton-on-the-Naze, echoed similar sentiments: “My mum encouraged me to come to ACL Essex, and it was worth the shot. My English teacher was the most helpful teacher ever! Without that teacher I would not be where I am today about to make my dreams come true.”
For many, tutor support has been the key to unlocking further study and employment opportunities.
“My tutor and assessor supported me throughout the course, and I gained valuable experience through doing the Level 2. This gave me confidence to then apply for my Level 3. My tutor and assessor encouraged me to gain employment and access the Poppins bursary, this meant I could continue my studies and start earning money. I would not have been able to consider additional training at this point if it wasn’t for the Poppins bursary, it would have been too expensive for me to self-fund.”
Daniel, from Braintree, a senior carer studying for a Diploma in Adult Care Level 3, shared how his tutor’s guidance has had real-world impact in his workplace: “I am completing a Diploma in Adult Care Level 3, and so far, it has been very informative. I have been able to work in different parts of care. Since starting my course, I have had a very good tutor, and they have been very informative. I am currently a senior carer, and since taking this qualification, we have undertaken new risk assessments and set up electronic medication reminders.”
Lisa Jarentowski, Principal, ACL Essex, added: “World Teachers’ Day was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the dedication and passion of all our ACL Essex tutors. These stories show how much our tutors inspire learners to achieve their goals, transform their careers and build brighter futures.”
