University of Chester helping independent teaching staff supplier build strong links with schools

The Teaching Executives Ltd was founded 20 years ago, supporting educational establishments across Cheshire, Merseyside and Wales with permanent and temporary staff across a range of specialist areas.

Since relocating its head office from Liverpool to the University of Chester Riverside Innovation Centre – a venue situated on the banks of the River Dee offering a range of meeting rooms and flexible office space available to rent – the business has continued to grow. The move has also strengthened its links within the local education community, including opportunities to collaborate with University students.

The Teaching Executives team provides access to teachers, support staff, SEND staff and lecturers, helping schools and colleges respond quickly to changing needs while maintaining high standards for their learners. Additionally, the team provides necessary training and guidance throughout the process, supporting staff with registration, compliance and ongoing advice.

Working closely with students who are studying to become teachers, The Teaching Executives provide necessary training and advice needed to introduce them into schools, helping them gain valuable classroom experience through supply and short-term roles. This enables trainee teachers to develop confidence, practical skills and an understanding of different school environments while continuing their studies. Opportunities are also available for those who have no experience and are not studying teaching or in education but are seeking part-time employment.

These roles provide anyone with transferable skills such as communication, organisation and teamwork, while offering flexibility that fits around them.

Stephen Morris-Jones, founder of The Teaching Executives, said: “Over the years, it's been incredibly rewarding to watch The Teaching Executives grow alongside the people we have supported. We have worked with so many trainee teachers who have gone on to become fully qualified professionals, as well as individuals who initially did not see teaching as a career path but discovered a passion for it through classroom experience.

“Seeing those journeys and successes has been a real highlight for us. It has also been a pleasure to work closely with schools and colleges across the region and to build strong trusted relationships over time. We are so proud of the partnerships we have developed and look forward to continuing to strengthen existing relationships as well as forming new ones as we support schools and future staff moving forward.”

The Teaching Executives have also worked closely with the University of Chester to create a range of student placement opportunities across the business. Students have been placed in areas such as Recruitment, Cybersecurity, Graphic Design and Administration, allowing them to gain practical, real-world experience as part of their courses. In several cases, these placements have led to students being offered permanent roles within the company, demonstrating the value of the placements in supporting long-term employability.

One such student, Wale, explained how The Teaching Executives helped him. He said: “While studying at the University of Chester, I knew I had a natural flair for teaching, due to my prior experience as an Associate Consultant at a cybersecurity company, which helped me develop strong analytical and communication skills. However, I wanted to apply those skills in education.

“Through The Teaching Executives, I secured a Cover Supervisor role, which gave me invaluable classroom experience whilst I was studying. They provided consistent support and guidance, helping to bridge the gap between my enthusiasm for teaching and the professional skills required to succeed in the classroom. They then placed me in a college which enabled me to get an interview for a maths lecturer position at a college.

“I reached out to them for interview coaching and guidance, which was pivotal in being successful at the interview, despite not holding a UK teaching qualification at the time. I am currently being sponsored by the college and I'm close to completing my PGCE, which has been fully funded by the college.

“Teaching Executives have played a significant role in my journey into education and lifelong learning, and I remain incredibly grateful for their support in helping me take this important step in my career.”

For more information about The Teaching Executives, visit https://theteachingexecutives.com/. For more information about how the University of Chester can help businesses grow, visit https://www.chester.ac.uk/about/business/.

Image: Stephen Morris-Jones with the Teaching Executives team.