Professional profile
Key Skills

I am a committed and dedicated educational professional, a motivating and inspiring teacher, and a supportive and empathetic tutor. I am organized, IT literate, innovative and a reflective expert practitioner in primary and higher education.

Career Summary

PhD Student Ongoing - October 2017 - present
Warwick University (Centre for Education Studies)

Confidence and competence in mathematics is a vitally important academic and life skill, yet many people underestimate their capacity to learn it. This often affects their further education path and their employability, and can cause mental distress. My research looks for ways to help learners overcome feelings of anxiety and become more resilient as mathematical learners. I am studying under the supervision of Sue Johnston-Wilder, a leading academic in this area.

Self Employed as a mathematics tutor Ongoing - 2016 - present

Primary and Secondary (GCSE) mathematics tutor
" One to one tutoring- Assessing, planning and teaching with an emphasis on understanding and application
" Preparing year 6 pupils for maths SATs
" Preparing Year 11 pupils for GCSE maths
" Teaching mathematics to years 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 & 11
" Developing confidence and competence in mathematics for all ages

Leen Mills Primary, Hucknall 2014 - 2015

KS2 Mathematics and English Specialist Teacher (0.7 FTE, Oct - Dec 2014)
Year 6 teacher (0.7 FTE, Jan - March 2015)
" Teaching large and small groups of year 3, 4, 5 and 6 children
" Addressing specific gaps in understanding and skills
" Planning, teaching and assessing in Year 6

Oxford Brookes University 2004 - 2014

Senior Lecturer in Primary Mathematics
PGCE Course Leader
Mathematics Subject Leader
" Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching of mathematics pedagogy, mathematics subject knowledge, research methods, professional studies, child development
" Lecturing to 250 students - primary mathematics, research methods and course introductions
" Supervision of teaching placements - this involves liaising with school mentor, monitoring paperwork, observing lessons and moderating grades with school mentors
" Interviewing & selection of students
" Recruitment and selection of staff
" Timetable preparation for all Primary Initial Teacher Education courses
" Team Leadership and Management - responding to feedback, innovating change, developing colleagues' subject knowledge, timetabling, resource management
" Curriculum development of undergraduate, postgraduate and masters level modules and courses
" Module leadership - responsibility for preparation of documentation, delivery of teaching, assessment of student progress and submission to exam boards
" Chairing of course committees
" Communication with student body through course representatives
" Preparation of student references
" Maintaining module presence on the virtual learning platform
" Assessment of student progress - portfolio, presentation and assignment marking and moderation

Great Tew Primary School 2002 - 2004

Year 4,5,6 Teacher
Mathematics, Assessment & Music coordinator
Staff Governor
" Planning, teaching & assessing for this mixed age class
" Leading staff development
" Leadership of School Productions
" Leading music for assemblies
" Leadership of choir
" Representing staff on the governing body
" Preparation for Key Stage 2 Assessment Tests

Chipping Norton Nursery School Spring & Summer 2002

Long term supply teaching
" Planning, teaching & assessing 3 & 4 year old children

Harriers Ground Primary School Autumn 2001

Temporary Year 3 teacher
" Planning, teaching and assessing pupil progress
" Supporting school improvement - exiting Special Measures

Oxfordshire County Council 1998 - 2001

Numeracy Consultant
" Delivering training to teachers - mathematics pedagogy, planning approaches, teaching strategies, assessment
" Supporting schools -consultation with the head teacher, modeling exemplary teaching, advising on planning, assessing & giving feedback

Great Rollright Primary School 1993 - 1998

Year 2 & 3 teacher
Mathematics & Music coordinator
" Planning, teaching & assessing for this mixed age class
" Leading staff development
" Leadership of School Productions
" Leading music for assemblies
" Leadership of choir
" Preparation for Key Stage 1 Assessment Tasks & Tests

St Mary's Primary School, Chipping Norton 1987 -1992

Year 6 teacher
Year 3 & 4 teacher
" Planning, teaching & assessing

 
Academic Achievements

Diploma in Holistic Massage & Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Level 3
ITEC
2015 (Merit)
This training combined practical massage techniques with knowledge of the structure, systems and diseases of the human body.

MA in Education - Practitioner Research (Distinction) Oxford Brookes University 2011 - 2014
My research explored the development of mathematical identities in pre service primary teachers.

Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education
2005 - 2006 Oxford Brookes University
This course prepared me for planning, teaching and assessing in higher education.

MA in Education (Merit) Oxford Brookes University
2003 - 2006
I researched the use of Virtual Learning Environments to support students with their mathematics teaching whilst on placement.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education Westminster College Oxford
1986 - 1987
This course prepared me for planning, teaching and assessing in primary education

BSc (Hons) Psychology Brunel University
1982 - 1986
This four year sandwich course included three six month long work placements. I worked as an occupational therapy helper in a psychiatric hospital, as a psychology assistant in the Institute of Naval Medicine, and working with a music therapist in a school for autistic children.

A Levels Grosvenor High School, Belfast
Mathematics - Grade A
Music - Grade A
Physics - Grade B

Personal Interests and achievements
I sing with several local chamber choirs and choral societies. I play various musical instruments, and hold clarinet and bassoon grade 8 qualifications.
I sail with my family and hold a Day Skipper yachting qualification. I am a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Personal Details
D.O.B. 12th March 1964
I am married with three grown up children. My husband and I have recently moved to Nottingham from Oxfordshire.