I want to be able to make a difference to children on a one to one basis, to ensure they have securely mastered the basics, to then be able to build upon their knowledge. Using my 19 years teaching experience, I believe I have the skills to support pupils to help them reach their full potential. I try to ensure they feel respected, listened to and are motivated to want to learn regardless of their ability or background. I feel I have strong communication skills and am able to use a range of strategies to support, nurture and develop the potential of all students. Safeguarding has been an integral part of my career, with the need to ensure that all families are receiving the correct support and that the welfare of children enables them to grow in a safe and effective environment. I thrive when presenting opportunities that I feel passionate about, calling on my ability to motivate, engage and enthuse my audience to promote an objective mindset that maximises opportunity. I am passionate about making a difference to children’s lives, especially those that have additional needs. I believe they should be given the same opportunities to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. Inclusivity is a core value that needs to be embedded within teacher practice. It is crucial to attempt to avoid potential unnecessary barriers and the only way we can overcome this, is through education.
I believe that building relationships is a crucial element of working with any child. If they feel safe and comfortable, you will be able to get the best out of them. This also helps to identify their likes and dislikes, which can be another approach to building that connection to use during teaching. I then use assessment for learning to identify what strengths they have in that particular areas as well as the areas for development. Breaking tasks down into manageable steps in order to make them successful is very important, as this builds confidence and give the child the opportunity to refer these steps when they come across any challenges. Children then need to opportunity to practice and apply this knowledge in a range of context, so that skill becomes secure. I ensure my lessons are fun, relatable and interactive so the children enjoy and engage with the sessions, creating a memorable learning experience.