PERSONAL STATEMENT
Having been inspired by my own teachers at primary school, from a very young age, my dream became a reality when I had the opportunity to work in my childhood primary school at the age of 17. I began to pursue my career from working in extra-curricular clubs to full-time employment as a one to one special educational needs teaching assistant for five years. I am now currently completing my teacher training with the School Direct programme, which is further supporting my knowledge in child development.
In the 5 years I worked as a teaching assistant, I developed my role through the school working in different year groups, extending my understanding of child development and the way in which children learn to think. Seeing the children happy at school, whilst progressing in their education, has motivated me to want to make a difference in their school lives. I have been highly inspired by the class teachers I have worked with which has influenced me to take on a teaching role this year to enhance my own professional development.
Teacher training has entailed me to support children's learning development by making sure lessons planned are engaging, challenging and inclusive to all learners, despite their backgrounds. In addition to this, I have been able to apply my knowledge of various teaching strategies within the classroom to cater for all learning styles. The use of formative assessment in adherence to the school's policy within lessons, has proved beneficial and as a result has informed my next steps for planning. By observing experienced teachers, I have been able to extend my knowledge of effective behaviour management strategies and apply them in context on a daily basis. I believe that children need to feel respected, valued and have a sense of belonging within their school day for them to maintain a positive attitude towards taking ownership of their own learning. As well as this, I feel that safeguarding is paramount to children's well-being and should be regarded as a high priority in all educational institutions.

I am an active member of the school community and attend regular phase and staff meetings, which add to my increased understanding of the school-learning environment. I believe that all children should have an equal opportunity in enhancing their learning, so inclusion is integral to a maintaining a diverse school environment. I am also a firm believer in allowing children to be able to think for themselves, as this is vital in developing their confidence, key skills, imagination and creativity. I aim to approach teaching from an alternative angle by illustrating key principles, such as addition in Maths lessons, through visual aids in order to demonstrate how subject content is relevant in everyday use.
I am able to interact with staff, children and their parents, and am competent to maintain a professional working relationship with them through progress meetings and effective communication on a daily basis. I am a team player, as I listen well to others and contribute my own ideas when reflecting on lessons to ensure the learning outcomes have been met. I aim to ensure that all children are willing to actively participate in their own learning and maintain a positive attitude towards learning.