I am a highly dedicated and innovative individual within the Education sector. My current title is a Behaviour Mentor in a Key Stage 4 Pupil Referral Unit – Brent River College. I support the students in their lessons academically and emotionally as well as 1:1 mentoring sessions. Within this role, I complete student reports; interim and end of year reports, data analysis reports as well as regular updates with parents about their child’s progress. I work closely with The Designated Safeguarding Officer, Educational Welfare Officer and the local Police Department. The PRU has an ethos of developing positive relationships through the use of Restorative Practices to manage behaviour and to support every child to achieve. I have demonstrated this in my current role by deploying effective behaviour management skills in my interactions with the students. In order to be able to manage the demanding environment of working in a SEBD setting, I have developed my flexibility and resilience.
I have experience in planning and delivering lessons, ensuring understanding and progress. I have the skills to manage a classroom as large as 60 students within a range of subjects with effective behaviour management. Within my role as a Trainee Teacher, I was responsible for ensuring that suitable academic provision, inclusion and intervention within the subjects were provided to all students. I followed the Schemes of Work and tailored to the needs and targets of each class.
At this stage of my career, I have already been judged as a 'very good' classroom practitioner providing high quality teaching and learning with some ‘outstanding’ features. I have taught students between the ages of 11 and 19 in a number of multicultural and ‘Outstanding Schools’. My personal philosophy of teaching and learning is that each pupil is an individual and that my role of the teacher is that of a facilitator, guiding pupils towards a path of autonomy and scholastic excellence. I strongly believe that all students need to have a good functional ability within the written and spoken medium of English in order to succeed throughout their daily life, into adulthood and the world of work. Being that the English language is a globally spoken language and the first language spoken in many countries worldwide; young people today need to be equipped with the skills to be proficient enough in English to compete on the world stage.
I, unfortunately, did not complete my Teacher Trainee with Ark Burlington Danes Academy as there was a bereavement in my family and had to temporary relocate. On my return, I was carrying out Supply Teacher and Cover Supervisor roles, which then led me to becoming a Behaviour Mentor at Brent River College. In this role, I would support but also teach small groups of students as well as 1:1 sessions. Due to the positive feedback in my role, I am now undergoing a Life Coaching course as I feel this would support and progress in my chosen career path. I have a TEFL/TESOL certificate as I am dedicated to the next step in my career and journey in life.
One of my professional strengths is the ability to reflect on my practice in a professional manner, to ensure that my teaching pedagogy and practice is broadened and improved. I am committed to take part in professional development activities outside of normal school hours. As part of my CPD, I attended a number of CDP sessions, Twilight INSETS and external courses focused on tracking pupil progress and having ‘Every Lesson Outstanding in English’. I am a reflective practitioner and I am keen to seek advice from others and engage in professional discussion about teaching and learning. By furthering my professional development, I developed excellent relationships within the department and made a valued contribution to the school as a whole by cascading important information and sharing ideas on good teaching practice.
This wide range of experience has inspired me to continue to develop my career in an exciting, fast-paced setting. I have an enquiring style of teaching and I am able to bring creativity, enthusiasm and forward thinking to any role. My ability to take risks in my teaching means that I am constantly striving to get the best from the young people I work with and develop my own practice in light of emerging pedagogy.
Thank you for reviewing my application. I have reference letters upon request.
I look forward to discussing with you my potential contributions to your school.
Sincerely
Rachel Lake
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