EZRA

My teaching style

I am a qualified teacher trained to work with learners all abilities and levels but have had 3 years experience with learners who are visually and/or hearing impaired, and learners with autism and other special needs. I am trained to deliver teaching for GCSE and AS/A level and post 16 learning. I am passionate about teaching and learning and always follow the lead of the learners I am introduced to and tailor my teaching approach to their needs and learning style. Teaching in a classroom environment has been part of my previous experience but I also worked closely with learners on a one to one basis which allows for a more focused and person centred approach to the process. I hope to continue to teach and learn more myself in the process of delivering support to students.

I started my journey to teaching without quite knowing that’s where I would end up. I have worked in many various job roles, from hospitality to insurance before deciding to pursue a passion I have for creativity and film making. I resumed studies to gain a degree in film and script writing. This was very exciting for me and allowed me to explore my creative side. Following on from this, I started work as a support assistant for individuals living with disabilities and mental health issues. I started to pursue a mental health nursing masters degree but COVID struck and this came to an abrupt end. Having the time to think more about my next steps, I started work as a classroom assistant working with students within a college environment. These learners had SEN as well as sensory impairments. As such, I received a qualification in BSL to communicate with hearing impaired learners and non verbal learners. Many of the students were diagnosed with ASD and this was a real learning curve and education for myself. From this, I realised the struggles that can be faced within the education system for learners with additional needs.

As I did well in my classroom assistant role, my skills were noted and I was offered the opportunity to step into a trainee teacher role. At this moment, I knew teaching was where I wanted to continue my career. I was then trained for education for all learners Post 16 at all levels and abilities. I have never looked back and now feel this was the best experience and opportunity I had been offered. I now continue to teach, moving away from classroom environments and working one to one with learners. This allows for a more bespoke and holistic approach to teaching and learning and I find this to be more stimulating,as you can really get to know an individual and what their learning style is and can fully invest them. When they achieve their aims and goals, I feel the same sense of pride and achievement, seeing them reach the pinnacle of their abilities. My main aim is to see my learners pursue the paths in life that they have always hoped to travel.

Having some variance in the qualifications that learners are pursuing, also brings variance to my role and allows me to continue to grow as an education practitioner as I adapt to the needs and levels I am working at. Working with visually impaired students on pre-braille and braille activities and then working with a learner who is seeking a qualification in personal and social development presents experiences that are poles apart and equally fulfilling. Delivering teaching for learners who are working towards their GCSE’s or A levels is a different experience and a good challenge. Having a distinct goal and end point to work towards allows for really focused work to be done. There is also an immediate result and a chance to see the fruits of the labours of the student and myself when they achieve the grades they desired.

I have specialist training for learners with visual and hearing impairment and autism spectrum disorder, but I want to continue to grow as a teacher and so now working with a more academically rigorous syllabus and range of materials is now very exciting to me and allows me to pursue working and building upon the communication tools I have helped to impart to my previous learners. English Language and Literature is an area I am most qualified to deliver based on my own achievements in these subjects from GCSE and A Level as well as being within my area of keen interest. I think this is key to being able to make that enthusiasm I have for the subject infectious to the learner. My main hope is to provide the students with a spark for learning that allows them to commit and enjoy the process on their way to realising their goals and dreams.