Susan taught in Essex for 11 years, and then moved to Calderdale where she served for a further 23 years as Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher at The Brooksbank School, retiring in 2020. During her time in Calderdale she was co-director of the Calderdale 14-19 Flagship project.

Since retiring she has volunteered for the Bradford and Calderdale Victim Support Service, the Brighouse railway station, and Anti-doping at sports events.