Office hours: Monday 10-11 in room 218 Media Centre.
Modules: I am module leader for all six shorthand modules.
About me: On and off I’ve been at Sunderland for over 20 years, and spent the last 11 of those teaching shorthand. I also work for most of the local papers, helping their trainees to increase their shorthand speed and preparing them for preliminary and advanced shorthand exams. I did Law for my degree and before teaching shorthand I taught Business Studies at the local college.
Media Week: I read the Sunderland Echo on Jobs night and Property night, and Hello magazine!!
In the Real World: I love to travel, and take photos. I drive about 30,000 miles a year, sightseeing, as well as on teaching jobs. My husband says I’ve got Tarmac in my veins where other people have blood. I’m a Midsomer Murders and Miss Marple fan, and often visit the locations. In what would be some students’ worst nightmare, I actually live next door to my former shorthand teacher.
Proudest teaching moments: Every time I get an email from a student saying “I couldn’t have done it without you”.
Best piece of teaching advice: When I left to go into teaching my boss (who now gives advice to the Prime Minister on teaching matters) told me to remember that there’s no such thing as a group – just a collection of individuals, all with different needs.
Why shorthand matters: It’s a rare skill and a challenge, apart from the fact that most editors still regard it as essential for anyone reporting a story. The editor of the Daily Telegraph, addressing a meeting of shorthand teachers, said that reporters without 100 wpm shorthand will only ever get to cover “Golden Wedding” stories.
In an age of white-hot technology, shorthand remains an old skill that will, quite literally, keep you out of jail. And it will keep your boss out of court too.
Susan will teach you a skill that will save your career time and time again.
Heads down and build that speed.
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David is spot on. I know lecturers repeat it like a mantra but, take it from a journalism student, it really is that important.
I dropped it in my first year, partly because I wanted to focus on essays and because I was sat next to someone who was ferociously quick-handed (majorly denting my confidence), and now it’s my biggest University regret, no doubt.
I’m going to learn it in my spare time (if possible) but going to your classes and learning from Susan really is invaluable – so don’t even think about dropping it!
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Go on Susan, best shorthand teacher I know.
She’ll get you your speed in no time!
Big shout out to Elaine as well
Team shorthand
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