Fruitful Academic Year 22/23

Introduction

Reflecting on the 2022-2023 academic year, it's been quite a fruitful year professionally. I achieved many accomplishments across teaching, technology, curriculum development, and supporting students and staff.

Teaching Innovations and Awards  

I introduced several teaching innovations this year. My visual trackers were highlighted in the college's final Ofsted published report as an example of good practice. I became the NatSpec Tech-ability champion, promoting assistive technology. I contributed to Teaching and Learning by delivering a CPD session on visual trackers. I developed an independent living skills curriculum utilising technology to build employability and independence. I delivered training to improve staff aptitude with assistive technology.

I was nominated for supporting a student through mental health struggles. I won a National Teaching Assistant Award to become a Twinkl Dyslexic Champion. I also won the college's Innovation Award, recognising my use of trackers, assistive technology, and inspiring learners to embrace technology.

Supporting Students

I supported students in several ways. I created a centralised digital resource of key documents accessible via QR codes. I built a website to promote neurodiversity awareness and improve literacy. I converted album lyrics to digital braille for a visually impaired student. I refined my independent living skills teaching strategy, improving student confidence and communication. I equipped a student with job fair resources, leading to employment. 

Curriculum Improvements

I made improvements to the curriculum as well. My research on mental models of money led to an improved curriculum. I developed a new work experience tracker expanding this autumn.

Supporting Staff 

I supported staff development too. I upskilled staff from another college on using tech for communication. I delivered training to improve staff aptitude with assistive technology.

Policies and Publications

Some of my work led to institutional changes. The college adopted my visual trackers into formal policy. One of my publications received its 100th citation - a milestone!

Looking Ahead

I accomplished all this as a result of working with outstanding colleagues, under the guidance of distinguished leadership and a perfect work environment. Excited to see what the 2023-2024 academic year brings!

Wired and Inspired! - Envisioning a world that inspires the differently wired

Professionally speaking, I had a really good year capped by winning a National Teaching Assistant Award to become a Dyslexic Champion for Dyslexic Mum sponsored by Twinkl. I also won the college's Innovation Award, recognising my use of trackers, assistive technology, and inspiring learners to embrace technology. 

Since the end of term, I have been collaborating with Collette from Dyslexic Mum. I have been providing resources such as information on the availability of dyslexia assessments, how to respond to a government SEND consultation, and sharing market research to promote a petition to address social inequality in accessing dyslexia assessments. Based on this work, I have been offered the role of Brand Ambassador.  

However, there has been some difficulty receiving acknowledgement without owning my personal brand as a platform to share these resources. So my new venture into social media marketing and advocacy will be called "INSPIRED and WIRED - Envisioning a world that inspires the differently wired."

This new academic year, I have timetabled to deliver ICT courses. So, I hope to incorporate developing the brand as part of the course, allowing learners to develop new skills in content creation, social media strategy, and branding. 

Welcome aboard INSPIRED and WIRED - Envisioning a world that inspires the differently wired! I'm excited to continue advocating for neurodiversity, assistive technology, and empowering students to embrace their full potential. Let's make this year one of meaningful impact.

My Calling Found Me: Embracing Innovation in Special Education

Finding My Passion in Special Education

When the pandemic hit and teachers were placed into bubbles, it ended up being a blessing in disguise for me. I finally felt valued as I was given more time to reflect on my true calling as an educator. In my spare moments, I began researching ways to better support students with learning differences, particularly those with dyslexia like myself. Although undiagnosed until adulthood, I now recognize the daily struggles I faced as a dyslexic learner. This led me to create resources on my website "Dino-Resource-US" to promote awareness and help other students who learn differently.  

Taking a leap of faith, I accepted a position as a teaching assistant at Newfriars College's specialized SEND program. This has been a life-changing experience. The staff fully supports innovation and has created a pathway for me to get back into teaching. This year, I began delivering sessions on assistive technology to help students overcome barriers in literacy and promote independent living skills. Seeing their growth as they learn to use text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and accessibility settings is incredibly rewarding. My dream of being a teacher again feels within reach.

My passion for special education grows daily. The journey has shaped me into the educator I am today, and I look forward to expanding my assistive technology sessions next term. I'm thankful for the supportive community at Newfriars that empowers me to make a difference.