sarah

My experience with special educational needs

I am a qualified SENCo, with a passion for removing barriers to education for all students, but especially for students with special educational needs. I recently completed a coaching course and I coach teenagers and adults with neurodiversity. I have taught in mainstream schools for 31 years fabulous years. In that time, I have had countless students with special needs in my care. I am extremely proud of my career as an English teacher and my track record for helping all my students achieve success in my subjects. I ensure I am aware of individual specific needs, adapt my lessons thoughtfully and make them accessible to all. I have a natural ability to create and maintain strong professional relationships with my students I meet many former students who credit me for shaping their education because I spotted their learning difficulties, referred them for testing and helped them pass English. This is my life purpose. Education opens doors and creates life chances.

A bit about me

Both my sons were diagnosed as neurodivergent late in their school careers. My eldest son, now 24, struggled with writing but was only diagnosed as having dyslexia at A level. It transpired that had above average intelligence, but very low processing skills. My youngest son, now 21, struggled with anxiety periodically, but was a conscientious high-flyer. Aged 17, he told us he thought he was autistic. He had been masking for a long time and he sadly then had a severe sensory burnout that took him out of education for several years. I have seen first-hand the struggles my sons have endured -both slipping under the educational radar. When Headteacher, I wanted to further educate myself, the leaders, teachers and supporters teams around me. This led to my SENCo qualification. Schools have a duty of care to make SEND a genuine priority, identify students with SEN earlier and monitor the provision they receive. I myself am late diagnosed ADHD, with a typical female profile!

My teaching philosophy

My approach to teaching/coaching is to really try and get to know the student's strengths/weaknesses and likes/dislikes. Sometimes it's easier for some students to avoid the area they struggle with - but ultimately it has to be tackled. Therefore, I plan my lessons to be in the current pedagogical style of a three-part lesson: - a knowledge quiz on a previous topic to activate the brain - a motivate session, where I may model a skill or work through some analysis - an independent section, where the student demonstrates the skill, leading into a home-learning activity Relationship and trust building is the key to success as a tutor. I would, over time, learn my students' interests and hobbies and try and integrate their specialist subjects into lesson planning. I am told by students and staff that I am proficient in|: breaking down explanations; making topics make sense and pitching lessons for all abilities. I have a sense of humour, lots of energy and passion for my subject.

Schedule

Tutoring specialisation

I’m providing tutoring sessions for students with these educational needs: