From OpenLearn to the classroom: How Joseph achieved his dream of becoming a teacher with The Open University

A Welsh graduate who began his learning journey with free Open University short courses is now celebrating qualifying as a teacher after progressing through each key stage of study offered by The Open University.

Joseph's journey demonstrates how flexible learning can open doors and help people achieve ambitions that may once have felt out of reach. Starting with free OpenLearn courses, Joseph went on to complete a BA (Hons) Education Studies degree before qualifying through the Open University's PGCE programme, fulfilling a long-held ambition to work in education.

Today, he is doing what he always hoped he would do: teaching and inspiring the next generation.

For Joseph, from Cardiff, the inspiration to become a teacher began during his own school years.

"My high school was where education really became important to me," he said. "I think that's where my passion and my desire to do my job came from. I saw teachers that really inspired me and thought I could go in to teaching and I could be that type of teacher."

However, like many people, Joseph's route into higher education was not straightforward.

After finishing school, he took time to explore his options and gain practical experience before committing to university study. 

"I decided to take some time away and find a job opportunity that allowed me to gain some experience in primary schools," he explained.

During this time, Joseph continued developing his interest in education and began looking at ways he could pursue a teaching career while balancing work and other commitments. It was while researching teaching qualifications that he discovered The Open University.

"I began researching PGCEs and an advert for The Open University popped up on social media," he said. "I clicked on it to have a look and immediately fell in love with the flexibility and the opportunity that The Open University would give to me."

"I could have the flexibility to continue and do my job"

Before embarking on formal qualifications, Joseph explored free learning through OpenLearn, The Open University's free learning platform. The experience gave him the confidence to take the next step and begin undergraduate study.

I can remember the conversation I had with my mother to this day. She said, 'You can be 28 in five years with a degree and as a qualified teacher, or you will be 28. It's just you deciding where you want to be.'

Joseph

He was particularly drawn to the flexibility offered by distance learning, which enabled him to continue working while studying.

"That's where I found the undergraduate degrees could be done on a part-time route over a number of years, which meant that I could have the flexibility to continue and do my job," he said.

Throughout his studies, Joseph remained focused on his goal of becoming a teacher. Alongside his academic learning, he continued to build valuable classroom experience, helping him develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for a career in education.

Reflecting on the support he received from his tutors, Joseph said: “Dr Catherine Bleasdale was incredibly supportive, particularly during my PGCE. She was always available whenever I had questions, which made a real difference during my time with The Open University.”

The support of family also played a significant role in his journey.

"I can remember the conversation I had with my mother to this day," he said. "She said, 'You can be 28 in five years with a degree and as a qualified teacher, or you will be 28. It's just you deciding where you want to be.'"

Those words proved transformative.

"My passion is teaching"

Five years later, Joseph has achieved exactly what he set out to do, progressing from an aspiring educator to a qualified teacher through a journey that began with a simple decision to enquire about studying.

Now working in the classroom, he says there is no doubt he made the right choice.

"I absolutely love being in the classroom. I love any opportunities I can spend with the children in my class," he said. "My passion is teaching. It's education through and through."

Reflecting on his journey, Joseph is proud of everything he has achieved and the opportunities that studying with The Open University has given him.

"I'm really pleased to say that five years later, it's been the biggest change in my life that I could have asked for."

He hopes his story will encourage others to take their own first steps into learning, regardless of their circumstances or stage of life.

"I would recommend The Open University for every person who's looking at university," he said. "It's worth that first phone call because, to me, that first phone call changed my life."

From free learning on OpenLearn to undergraduate study, professional teacher training and a career in the classroom, Joseph's story shows how determination, support and The Open University’s flexible learning model can help turn ambitions into reality.