My passion is in projects and my expertise are in learning and education. Recently, I have led projects such as:
- developing teams of advanced practitioners in Ghana;
- creating a culture of continual self improvement for teachers in Nepal;
- developing coaching programmes for schools;
- training supply teachers in failing schools that cannot recruit;
- planning creative curricula that have literacy and numeracy at the heart of all learning (Manglish)
- and providing professional development sessions in schools worldwide.
If your school needs a pair of creative eyes to look at existing problems and explore practical solutions or if you are looking for professional development in any of the areas outlined below. Please get in touch; I love a challenge!
Professional Development SessionsĀ
Planning for Success: Our assessment systems seem to change on the whim of a government and rarely support our teachers or pupils. How can we plan for success, keep ourselves sane and ensure the highest possible outcomes for students?
Assessment for Learning: More than just marking, assessment for learning requires planning, an understanding of questioning, mindset, outcomes, taxonomies of learning and it all has to have purpose beyond the exam. How can we ensure that our assessment has purpose and does not add to our ever increasing workload?
Engaging the Disengaged: Behaviour is a battle that most teachers face. Unless you find yourself in the perfect school with a set of perfect children, you will come across behaviour issues. These issues can range from outright defiance to apathy. How do we create a culture that encourages a thirst for learning in which good learning behaviours come as standard?
The Art of Communication: Whether you are a coach, leader, teacher, student or IT technician, communication will factor in your daily existence. Communication is often the forgotten strand of literacy across the curriculum. Yet, it is without doubt, the one strand that every classroom requires. How can we improve communication to improve outcomes for ourselves, our colleagues and our students?
Teaching for Mastery:Ā Mastery is elusive and that is why it is desirable. We all want to master but can we ever really achieve it? Information overload does not lead to good learning outcomes and a learner has to come into contact with information at least three times in a short period before they can recall that information a year later. With so much content to teach, how can we use Manglish principles streamline our teaching to plan for mastery?
Support and Challenge:Ā Differentiation is a pain! You know that you have up to thirty individuals in front of you with differing knowledge and diverseĀ needs. How can you cater for them all without killing yourself on preparation? Developing a culture of independence and an understanding of their own learning needs is just one way. What other resources can save you time without costing their education?
Super Supply: Everyone knows that supply teachers and cover supervisors are the bottom of the heap right? Even the teachers stick “kick me” notes on your back. After sending the last year on supply, I know that supply does not mean babysitter. How can you be prepared for anything when you are walking in blind? In the current teacher shortage, supply teachers may well be your lifeline. How do you ensure that they have a positive impact? If your school is currently relying on supply and you want to know more, you may also benefit from bringing me in as your consultant supply teacher. I like to practice what I preach.
Manglish: Literacy and numeracy are the cornerstones of learning. However, lessons often bolt these on as a nod to Ofsted. How can we harness the power of reading, writing, communication and mathematics across the whole curriculum to create masters of learning? How can we ensure that our learners are exam ready but do not leave their learning when the exam is over?
Growth Mindset: Much more than a buzzword, growth mindset is a culture that you can create. Inspiration intervention has zero impact upon learning. Whereas, meta cognition and self regulation can add months. It is not enough to think positively and you will achieve. you need the tools, strategies and knowledge of learning to get you there. How can we create a culture, provide the right strategies and ensure our learners grow to become successful in their passions?
As a learning geek, I can turn my hand to most things. As a self employed teacher, I have the freedom to tackle problems with an open, objective and creative mind. If you would like advice, support or training, please get in touch.