I aim to establish authentic rapport with students to understand who they are as people and as learners

I have extensive experience as a member of Student Services (SEN) teams, designing and implementing individualised learning plans that address diverse learning profiles, including Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Dyslexia, ELA, and patterns of avoidance. In addition to my SEN work, I have taught Drama, History, Literature, Advisory, and Ethics/PSHE, bringing a broad academic perspective to support holistic student development. My practice is informed by evidence-based interventions and a nuanced understanding of each student’s cognitive, social, and emotional needs. I take an intersectional approach, considering how overlapping identities and contextual factors influence learning and wellbeing. Through collaborative, strengths-based strategies, I create equitable and inclusive educational environments that support students in achieving meaningful growth and success. I create engaging, dynamic lessons that blend creativity, energy, and a touch of drama to make learning memorable. I show a genuine interest in my students’ passions, integrating their interests into lessons to enhance engagement and motivation. My approach is structured yet flexible, adapting to each student’s needs through multi-sensory, inclusive strategies. I often begin with games or small extrinsic rewards to spark intrinsic motivation, guiding students toward confidence and curiosity. I support students in developing focus, attention, and emotional regulation by first identifying barriers to learning. For instance, identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and cognitive distortions. We then practice mindfulness, grounding exercises, and reflective practices to help students manage stress and develop resilience. I use evidence-informed strategies such as breaking tasks into manageable steps (chunking), incorporating movement and sensory supports, and establishing structured routines to enhance engagement. I also empower students with the language to understand their experiences, articulate their needs, and advocate for themselves, fostering self-awareness, independence, and a growth-oriented approach to learning.