Lisa Young
For many special needs assistants (SNAs), experience is invaluable, but the right qualification can give that experience greater depth and direction.
After working as an SNA in mainstream and special class settings for approximately 11 years, Lisa Young completed the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice at Portobello Institute to become a more effective practitioner and progress in her career.
Taking Her Experience Further
Lisa’s role gave her first-hand insight into supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and inspired her to continue her education in the field.
“As an SNA, I had completed numerous CPD courses. However, I wanted to gain a meaningful qualification that would allow me to further my career and develop my skills,” Lisa shares.
“I wanted to deepen my knowledge, improve the support I provide to children, and create more opportunities for my professional growth.
“Completing an honours degree was a way for me to invest in myself and continue making a positive difference in the lives of the people I work with.”
Lisa was drawn to Portobello Institute’s BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice because it closely aligned with her work as an SNA. She saw the programme as an opportunity to build on what she already knew while gaining the skills and qualification needed to progress.
“Another important factor in my decision was that the degree was fully online, which gave me the flexibility to continue working full-time while studying,” she adds.
“The flexibility of the programme meant I could develop professionally while maintaining a healthy balance between my career, education, and family life.”
Growing Through a Passion for Education
Lisa’s professional development is driven, first and foremost, by her commitment to the children she supports.
She explains: “As education is constantly evolving, engaging in CPD and staying up to date with the latest research ensures I can truly support the children in my care.
“I believe every child, regardless of need or ability, has the right to an education that is meaningful, tailored to their individual needs, and designed to foster independence and confidence, allowing them to feel valued and supported as they reach their potential.
“The BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice was 100% correct for me! I had been looking for a degree that aligned with my passion, experience, and career goals, so when I finally found it, I knew it was the right opportunity for me, making the decision to apply an easy one.”
Finding Connection and Community
For many Portobello students, starting higher education after time away from formal study can be daunting. For Lisa, however, the experience was highly rewarding and showed that studying online does not have to feel isolating.
Regular guidance from tutors, combined with opportunities to learn alongside her peers, kept Lisa connected throughout the three-year degree.
“The support I received from both tutors and my peers fostered a real sense of inclusion and community,” she says. “No question was too big or too small and was always answered in a timely manner.
“Working in collaboration with my peers allowed me to view things through different lenses and gave me food for thought on many occasions.”
Learning That Fits Life and Strengthens Practice
During her studies, Lisa worked full-time as an SNA in a primary school in Louth while managing a busy family life. She particularly valued the programme’s flexibility, which made it possible to balance her studies alongside both.
“Class sessions were mainly in the evenings, which meant fewer interruptions from daily life, and live classes gave me the opportunity to ask questions in real time.
“Listening to different viewpoints and experiences allowed me to learn not only from the tutors, but also from my peers. For me, it was a very engaging and inclusive.”
She adds: “The tutors were amazing. They were so knowledgeable and truly cared for their students. My dissertation supervisor Samantha Cooney was fantastic throughout my journey.
“As I have previously mentioned, support is always there. As our Programme Lead Jacinta Murphy said on our induction day, ‘Sometimes life throws curveballs at us but do not panic! Support is only a phone call or an email away’. Deadlines can be extended. Just ask!”
Lisa’s work as an SNA gave her the opportunity to apply her learning immediately, while the programme strengthened her understanding of the wider context surrounding her role.
“My role as an SNA really helped with my studies, as I was able to put theory into practice,” she says. “Developing a greater understanding of the education system, legislation, inspections, policies, and procedures helped me work more collaboratively with my colleagues.”
Putting Theory into Practice Through Placement
As part of the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice, students complete work placements that bring academic learning into real-world educational settings. Lisa completed hers within her existing workplace, connecting theory directly with her everyday practice.
“My colleagues were extremely generous with their time, knowledge, and experience. They were always willing to offer guidance, share their expertise, and support my learning, which contributed greatly to my professional development.”
During her placement, Lisa also mentored a student SNA. Although she initially had reservations about taking on the responsibility, the mentoring experience became an important and rewarding part of her own professional development.
She explains: “The mentoring process was a positive learning experience that supported both professional growth and reflective practice. It was something the mentee and I benefited from personally and professionally.
“I initially had reservations about mentoring due to limited experience, confidence, and allowing the mentee to develop independently without interference on my part was a personal challenge. However, witnessing the mentee’s progress gave me a genuine sense of pride.
“Reflecting on the process has increased my confidence and enhanced my skills in providing constructive feedback, communicating effectively, and listening actively. It has also improved my overall effectiveness as a mentor.”
From a First Step in Higher Education to a Future Leap
Lisa continues her work as an SNA with greater confidence, a deeper understanding of special educational needs, and a clearer vision of where her career could take her next.
Completing the degree has transformed how she approaches her role and encouraged her to consider postgraduate study.
“I would highly recommend Portobello Institute,” says Lisa. “Three years ago, I took a small step into the world of education, and now I am almost ready to take the leap.
“The qualification has given me the confidence and knowledge to move forward. I am considering a master’s in education – I just need a little break first!”
Lisa’s reflections on Portobello are closely tied to the tutors who made such a meaningful impact on her studies.
She concludes: “I would sincerely like to thank all my tutors for their ongoing support and guidance in completing this degree.
“My supervisor Samantha Cooney was my rock and Programme Lead Jacinta Murphy was an inspiration. Her passion for the degree shines through. Thank you both for answering my never-ending questions.”
Ready to Progress Your Career in Inclusive Education?
Like Lisa, you can take the next step in inclusive education with a qualification designed to develop your skills and enhance your career prospects.
