Hello PGCERT! My name is Emily Sunnucks and I teach on the BA Cordwainers Footwear course at London College of Fashion. I feel enormously privileged to work with young people and even more privileged to teach on the course that I studied, albeit many moons ago (2012 to be precise).
My journey into teaching happened accidentally. Before becoming a lecturer (and during, during my early days at LCF) I ran a sustainable clothing company called, ‘Zola Amour LTD’. I used to take on interns whilst I was running my company and as part of one of my interns placement requirements a tutor visited her in our workspace. I got chatting to her tutor who told me a little bit about herself and it transpired that she had also ran a clothing company and been invited to teach her craft, over time developing a love for it. This sparked a curiosity and interest for me and I set to investigating. Asking my degree tutors (including, Sarah, who is now my boss) for advice on how to get into teaching. My lovely tutor, Ian (who sadly passed away this Summer 2023) advised me to gain as much experience as possible and to if I got the change do a PGCERT. After gaining a bit of experience working for the university connected to my intern, UCA, and unfortunately, narrowly missing out on being selected for a position teaching on the ‘Cordwainers Footwear’ course twice following interview; I was absolutely delighted to be invited in as a HPL to teach first year design and the adobe suite. I have developed such a love and passion for teaching over the past four years, that I closed my business down and am focusing on building lecturing as a new career.
Since beginning my job at LCF, I have had a strong desire to undertake the PGCERT and was delighted to be accepted this year, which was my second year applying. I really hope it helps me to contextualise my teaching practise and that I learn methodology on how to support my wide array of different students, with different needs.
I truly believe education has the power to change lives and even to change the world.
So nice to meet you last Friday Emily. I could not have been paired with a more talented draftsperson! You portrait of myself is one I will cherish for years to come. Wishing you all the best luck with your PgCert experience, lets try and keep in touch throughout. Augusta
Hello Emily. Thanks for sharing this introduction! I look forward to supporting you on this stage of your PGCert journey. 🙂