From Business to the Classroom: Tu Trinh’s iPGCE Journey

Tu Trinh’s iPGCE Journey

Tu Trinh, a former actuary in the insurance industry, made the bold decision to pivot into a career in education—driven by a long-standing passion for teaching Physics and Mathematics. In 2025, he completed the iPGCE with NITE and Coventry University while teaching full-time in Vietnam. His story highlights how the programme empowered him to grow as an educator, take on leadership roles, and make a meaningful difference in the classroom.

From Actuary to Educator

After years of working in the insurance industry as an actuary, I made the life-changing decision to follow my passion for education. I had always loved teaching and supporting learners, especially in Physics and Mathematics, but my formal training was in Actuarial Science. When I transitioned into teaching full-time, I realised I needed more than just subject expertise—I needed to build a deeper understanding of pedagogy, curriculum planning, inclusive teaching, and classroom management. That’s when I found the iPGCE with NITE and Coventry University.

Why NITE’s iPGCE was the right fit

What drew me to the programme was its flexibility and strong academic framework. As someone already teaching full-time in an international school, the online format allowed me to stay in the classroom while applying new strategies in real time. This immediate connection between theory and practice was incredibly powerful. I wasn’t just learning about formative assessment or retrieval practice—I was using those tools with my students the next day and seeing results.

Learning that translates to the classroom

Throughout the programme, I received outstanding support from mentors and university staff. The tutorials were rich with professional dialogue, and the coursework pushed me to reflect deeply on my practice. I also appreciated the structured yet realistic approach to assignments. It never felt like a box-ticking exercise—every task contributed meaningfully to my development as a teacher.

Support that builds confidence

One of the most valuable outcomes of the iPGCE was the boost in confidence it gave me as both a teacher and a future leader. I currently teach A-level Physics and Mathematics, coordinate the NCUK Foundation Mathematics course at my school, and serve as the Subject Lead for Physics. I also lead a team of Vietnamese teachers delivering Cambridge programmes in Maths and Physics. The iPGCE helped me formalise the skills I had developed informally and prepared me to support other teachers, too.

Advice for career changers

The course not only affirmed my decision to move from the corporate world into education but also strengthened my belief that great teaching is as much about purpose as it is about planning. I now approach every lesson with a better understanding of how students learn—and with a stronger toolkit to help them succeed.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the iPGCE to anyone considering a career in teaching, especially those transitioning from another profession. It’s never too late to make an impact—and this course helps you do it with clarity, confidence, and community.