Johann

I have over 20 years’ teaching experience across mainstream education, alternative provision and SEMH settings, with a particular focus on supporting young people who have found traditional education challenging. Throughout my career I have worked with students with a wide range of abilities and learning needs, developing flexible and individualised approaches to help them engage with learning and recognise their strengths.

At Beccles Free School, I taught DT and ICT and worked as Transition Lead. I was also involved in RoboCup, supporting students to develop skills in robotics, programming, engineering, teamwork and problem-solving. The team went on to win the CoSpace World Championship, an achievement that demonstrated the impact of positive teaching. I particularly enjoyed using these kinds of projects to give students opportunities to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways and develop confidence beyond the traditional classroom.

At Pinetree School, an alternative provision setting, I became Head of DT and Careers lead and also worked as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. I worked extensively with young people who had experienced difficulties within mainstream education, developing practical, project-based learning that helped them re-engage and develop both confidence and vocational skills. I also supported students in identifying suitable pathways towards employment, further education and training, including helping young people with few previous qualifications to find opportunities that matched their individual strengths and interests.

I later became Assistant Head Teacher and DSL at The Damara School, an SEMH setting providing primary and secondary education. This gave me extensive experience working with young people with complex emotional, behavioural and learning needs, including managing challenging situations and adapting teaching and the curriculum to individual circumstances. I developed a strong understanding of the importance of patience, consistency, trust and positive relationships when supporting young people with significant barriers to education.

Alongside my school-based roles, I have worked as a personalised teacher with students aged 11–21, providing individual and tailored teaching based around their interests, abilities and circumstances. My background in Art, Design Technology, ICT and Music gives me a broad range of practical and creative skills that I bring into my teaching. I particularly enjoy finding imaginative, hands-on ways to make learning accessible and meaningful, while helping students develop confidence, independence and a genuine sense of achievement.