Paula Houston
For Donegal-based Paula Houston, a passion for working with children and supporting inclusive education has shaped every step of her professional journey. What began as a rewarding role as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) has now evolved into the next stage of her career – training to become a primary school teacher after gaining her BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice degree at Portobello Institute.
“I chose the course specifically with the intention of going forward into teaching. The inclusive education degree was a brilliant base to continue with my studies further. The delivery of the course was perfect for my lifestyle and the method of study prepared me for further study online also,” she said.
Paula has gone on to start her PME to become a primary school teacher.
“I have started my Professional Master of Education (PME) in Primary Education as of September. My goal is to become a teacher with thanks to my graduation in Inclusive Education Practice. Having completed the degree has also allowed me to apply for my teaching council number which will in turn allow me to gain invaluable work experience teaching in the classroom prior to placement whilst completing my masters.
“This qualification has set me up successfully for my chosen future career as a primary school teacher upon graduating. Portobello Institute has successfully guided me through my career from the foundations of becoming a SNA to providing me with a BA Hons to further my career into teaching,” she said.
Building Strong Foundations
Before enrolling on the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice degree, Paula had already begun her learning journey with Portobello, completing both her QQI Level 5 and QQI Level 6 in Special Needs Assisting.
“I loved working in a school setting, my passion was definitely for working with children and I enjoyed the challenges faced in day-to-day school life. I felt that I had more to give within my role, academically and professionally and strived for further career progression,” she said.
Her motivation was clear, Paula set out to take the skills and empathy developed in the classroom and expand them through deeper study and reflection.
In order to progress with a relevant degree as an SNA, she chose to study her BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice degree at Portobello Institute. This new and innovative qualification is an ideal next step for SNAs who want to gain recognition in the classroom and progress their career to potentially go further with postgraduate studies. This is an exciting pathway of progression for SNAs who want to develop their career.
Choosing the Right Path to Advance
For Paula, Portobello Institute’s flexibility and understanding of working students made it the natural choice for her inclusive education degree.
“Portobello offered blended learning which made studying accessible whilst also working. The placement hours could be completed in my job as SNA at that time which was also advantageous as I wouldn’t be required to take time off work in order to complete the required hours.
“Portobello made completing a degree whilst simultaneously working achievable, something which is a huge factor in the current climate.
“Having completed my level 5 and 6 with Portobello, I was well versed in online learning and I knew furthering my education with Portobello was the right decision for me,” she said.
At Portobello Institute, we support our students to make higher education achievable while balancing busy personal and professional lives – something Paula and many of our graduates says made all the difference in her journey.
Following Her Passion
Studying the BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice gave Paula the opportunity to deepen her understanding of child development, inclusion, and classroom dynamics.
“My passion is for working with children and this was enhanced through the completion of my degree in inclusive education.
“Currently working as a SNA, with children on a daily basis, the completion of the course allowed me gain greater insight into pedagogy methodologies, the reasons behind behaviours, society’s impact on children and various approaches for practicing as an inclusive educator.
“The course allowed me to develop my professional practice and proved to be a stepping stone towards my future career,” she said.
The course’s blend of academic study and practical experience helped Paula translate theory into real classroom impact – a key part of Portobello’s teaching philosophy which she could benefit from immediately.
A Supportive and Flexible Learning Experience
Balancing study with work and life can be challenging, but Paula found that Portobello’s structure, supportive tutors and peer community helped her stay motivated.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time as a student at Portobello Institute. I think studying online and not having the face-to-face element can seem quite daunting however it suited me quite well at my period in life. Having to motivate yourself to complete the work can be tough however having a big support system, and having the support of your fellow peers makes the process much easier.
“I think it is perfect for those who have a busy lifestyle but are looking to commence further education or for a change of career. Online learning and blended learning is perfect for those wanting to develop themselves further whilst maintaining their current lifestyle,” she said.
Practical Experience That Makes a Difference
Paula’s work placement gave her the chance to apply her learning directly in real classrooms, bridging the gap between study and professional practice.
“Each year of the course required 100 hours of placement. I completed this placement in primary schools. I was able to complete my placement while working as a Special Needs Assistant in the schools. This was a huge advantage for me and one of the deciding factors in choosing the course. I wasn’t required to take unpaid leave or complete placement over holidays which was important.
“I think completing work experience is essential for insight into a career/role… Being employed in the role allowed me to obtain the placement easily however it caused me to pause and think, to reflect upon my role, why children behave the way they do and why educators follow certain methods and the huge influence they can have on the child,” she said.
This reflective approach is central to Portobello’s values that support students to turn practical experience into insight and preparing students for meaningful, inclusive practice.
A Stepping Stone to Teaching
For Paula, studying this inclusive education degree became the perfect foundation for her next academic and professional chapter.
“I have started my Professional Master of Education in Primary Education as of September. My goal is to become a teacher with thanks to my graduation in Inclusive Education Practice.
“Having completed the degree has also allowed me to apply for my teaching council number which will in turn allow me to gain invaluable work experience teaching in the classroom prior to placement whilst completing my masters.
“Portobello Institute has successfully guided me through my career from the foundations of becoming a SNA to providing me with a BA Hons to further my career into teaching.”
Her journey reflects exactly what Portobello Institute stands for – empowering students to progress from entry-level qualifications to advanced professional roles with the support and structure they need to succeed.
Reflecting on the Journey
“I chose my courses based on the career path I wanted to pursue, and Portobello helped me achieve my goals. I am proud of myself for the time and dedication applied to my studies, especially when things seemed overwhelming and unachievable. I couldn’t have completed the course without the support from the tutors, my family, but especially my fellow peers.
“Studying online removes the face-to-face element that most colleges have but the relationships built through online communication were still strong in Portobello,” she said.
Paula’s story is one of determination, balance and purpose – and a testament to what’s possible when passion is supported by the right learning environment.
Find out More
Portobello Institute’s BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice is designed for those who want to advance their career in education, understand inclusive teaching, and open doors to future qualifications such as the Professional Master of Education.
For Paula Houston, it was more than a course it was the bridge between a fulfilling support role and a lifelong dream of teaching.
If you are interested in studying Inclusive Education at Portobello Institute, visit our faculty here.
