Natalya Lashgari-Estrella

A highly experienced Lead Senior Drama Teacher with a proven track record of inspiring creativity and confidence in students of all ages. Skilled in delivering engaging drama curricula that encourage self-expression, teamwork, and performance excellence. Experienced SEN Teacher, adept at supporting diverse learners and tailoring approaches to meet individual needs. Competent in writing and contributing to EHCPs, ensuring students receive the right support and provision. Brings international teaching experience, having taught in schools across the world. Recognised for strong leadership, pastoral care, and the ability to foster inclusive, supportive learning environments. Dedicated to empowering young people through the arts and education.

I am an experienced and passionate Drama/ English Teacher with 12 years teaching experience of various subjects. I have trained as a qualified Drama teacher by studying a PGCE Drama at the University of East London. I am an experienced Drama, Acting and English teacher. I have skills in humanities, theatrical set design and dance, however, one of my great skills is to develop confidence in young people and I encourage students to try their hands at many different types of performance. 

As the Lead Teacher and Head of EHCPs, I am responsible for overseeing and managing the Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes leading the EHCP process from initial assessment to review, ensuring compliance with local authority guidelines, and collaborating with parents, external agencies, and multi-disciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support. I also mentor staff, adapt the curriculum to meet diverse needs, and monitor student progress to ensure that the interventions are effective. Additionally, I advocate for students with SEND, ensuring they have access to an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

I have worldwide experience teaching in Europe, Asia and England, teaching English, English Business, Drama within the National Curriculum as well as putting on performances and underpinning the theory for practical understanding of drama and worldwide texts. 

I have a proven track record of being able to liaise well with different departments for productions and am an efficient organizer. I am able to keep track of all administration and the data required in educational settings.

I have shown solid consistent performance teaching both KS3 and KS4, heading a department and ensuring a GCSE is plausible within English and Drama for pupils with and without SEN.

Core Qualifications:

PGCE (Secondary) Drama gained from The University of East London, London

Sept 2020 - June 2021

BA Hons Degree Arts and Human Science Drama and Performance Studies, London South Bank University, London Sept 2007 – July 2010 

Professional Qualifications:

• PGCE/ ETC/NQT 
• Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
• First Aid Training
• Full Clean Driving License
• Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
• Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering
• Team Teach
• AQA/Edexcel/ESOL Moderator
• Leadership and Management Training
• SEND Training
• GDPR
• TEFL/Callen
• Supporting children's development

Academic Qualifications:

BTEC National Diploma in Media Studies - Merit

AS Photography (B) from Croydon College, Croydon Sept 2003 - July 2005  

GCSE’s Five obtained grades C and above from Oxted School, Surrey Sept 1998- July 2003                                        

 Skills & Abilities:      

• Computer Literate to an advanced level.

• I can engage students in the drama and theatre which improve their all-round confidence and education.

• I am effective in communication with students, parents and all levels of school management and as a fun, exciting confident teacher, I can teach students how to express themselves appropriately.

• Independent Research and findings resulting in a Dissertation and Active Enquiries

• Creating Performances, Stage Shows also publicizing the Event, Developing and hosting Programmes

• Reviewing books, films, music or newspapers; Either reading from a script and improvising

• Keeping the programme running to schedule - responding positively and quickly to problems or changes, and improvising where necessary; Keeping in contact with staff promptly

• Extra skills: Recruitment, SEND, Banking, Management Conflict

• Foreign Languages: Spanish, Basic Persian

Work Experience:

Octavia House

November 2024 - Present

Lead Teacher and Head of EHCP’s

Leadership and Management:

• Lead and manage the EHCP process for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Coordinate and liaise with multi-disciplinary teams (teachers, therapists, social workers) to ensure comprehensive support for students.
• Supervise and mentor staff in relation to the EHCP process and SEND provisions.
• Ensure all staff are trained and up to date on legislation and best practices related to SEND and EHCPs.

Collaboration with Parents and External Agencies:

• Communicate regularly with parents to ensure their involvement in the EHCP process.
• Work closely with external agencies, such as local authorities, healthcare providers, and other support organizations, to ensure seamless support for students.
• Act as the main point of contact for families regarding their child's EHCP status, reviews, and necessary adjustments.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Regularly monitor the progress of students with EHCPs, adjusting plans as necessary to meet changing needs.
• Ensure that EHCP goals are measurable, and track student progress toward meeting these goals.
• Conduct reviews and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and strategies in place for students.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure that all EHCPs are compliant with local authority guidelines and national legislation.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records for all students with EHCPs.
• Prepare and submit reports on EHCP progress and review outcomes to senior leadership and local authorities

Curriculum Adaptation and Development:

• Adapt the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students with EHCPs, ensuring access to appropriate learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with subject leaders to ensure curriculum adjustments are made to accommodate students with SEND.
• Provide strategies for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

Support and Advocacy:

• Act as an advocate for students with SEND, ensuring their needs are met within the educational setting.
• Promote inclusive practices that support students with EHCPs in mainstream classrooms and extracurricular activities.
• Lead on resolving any issues related to SEND provisions or concerns raised by parents or staff.

Strategic Planning and Development:

• Lead initiatives to improve the overall provision of SEND support across the school.
• Contribute to the school's SEND policy development and review.
• Work with the school leadership team to implement school-wide strategies for improving SEND outcomes.

Harris Academy East Dulwich Boys

January 2024- November 2024

Lead of Performing Arts

My Job Responsibilities were to:

Using platforms of SIMS, CPOMS, Edulink, Google Classroom, Teams

Creating curriculum SoW for KS3 and KS4 Drama Eduqas

Teaching English 

Teach acting principles techniques to individuals or groups

Conduct readings to evaluate student’s talent

Adapt course of study & training methods to meet students need ability

Teach enunciation, diction, voice development, and dialects, using voice exercises, speech drills, explanation, lectures, and improvisation

Discuss and demonstrates vocal body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection

Produce and direct Workshops

Audition students to select cast assign parts

Rehearse drills students to make sure they master parts

Assign non-performing students to backstage production tasks, like constructing, painting, moving scenery, operating stage light, and sound equipment

Direct activities of students involved in constructing, painting, and lighting scenery

Teach elements of stagecraft, stage makeup, costume craft, play writing, or play direction.

Lesson planning and preparation.

Checking and assessing work.

Attending Staff meetings. Liaising with parents.

Monitoring playground and extracurricular activities.

Ongoing professional development.

Creating an enrichment programs for KS3 and KS4

Tutoring Duties

Supporting PGCE Students

September 2021- December 2023

Southwark Inclusive Learning Services

Head/Lead Drama Teacher(English)

My Job Responsibilities were to:

Using platforms of SIMS, CPOMS, Edulink, Google Classroom, Teams

Creating curriculum SoW for KS3 and KS4 Drama Edexcel and English

Teaching English GCSE, IGCSE, Functional Skills

Teach acting principles techniques to individuals or groups

Conduct readings to evaluate students talent

Adapt course of study & training methods to meet students need ability

Teach enunciation, diction, voice development, and dialects, using voice exercises, speech drills, explanation, lectures, and improvisation

Discuss and demonstrates vocal body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection

Produce and direct Workshops

Audition students to select cast assign parts

Rehearse drills students to make sure they master parts

Assign non performing students to backstage production tasks, like constructing, painting, moving scenery, operating stage light, and sound equipment

Direct activities of students involved in constructing, painting, and lighting scenery

Teach elements of stagecraft, stage makeup, costume craft, play writing, or play direction.

Lesson planning and preparation.

Checking and assessing work.

Attending Staff meetings.Liaising with parents.

Monitoring playground and extracurricular activities.

Ongoing professional development.

Teaching PSHE and Food Technology

Teaching English and Functional Skills

Creating an enrichment programme for KS3 and KS4

Tutoring Duties

Supporting PGCE Students

January 2021- August 2021

Kingsford Community School

Secondary School Teacher

Expert Drama Teacher 

My Job Responsibilities were to:

Using platforms of SIMS, Edulink, Google Classroom

Creating Booklets for all Year 7-9 for all teachers

Teach acting principles techniques to individuals or groups

Conduct readings to evaluate students talent

Adapt course of study & training methods to meet students need ability

Teach enunciation, diction, voice development, and dialects, using voice exercises, speech drills, explanation, lectures, and improvisation

Discuss and demonstrating vocal body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection

Produce and directing plays for school public performances

Audition students to select cast assign parts

Rehearse drills students to make sure they master parts

Assign nonperforming students to backstage production tasks, like constructing, painting, moving scenery, operating stage light, and sound equipment

Direct activities of students involved in constructing, painting, and lighting scenery

Teach elements of stagecraft, stage makeup, costume craft, play writing, or play direction.Lesson planning and preparation. Creating Themes of Work

Checking and assessing work.

Attending Staff meetings.Liaising with parents.

Monitoring playground and extracurricular activities.

Ongoing professional development.

July 2020- January 2021

Harris Academy - Croydon

Secondary School Teacher

Expert Drama Teacher 

My Job Responsibilities were to:

Teach acting principles techniques to individuals or groups

Conduct readings to evaluate students talent

Adapt course of study & training methods to meet students need ability

Teach enunciation, diction, voice development, and dialects, using voice exercises, speech drills, explanation, lectures, and improvisation

Discuss and demonstrates vocal body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection

Produce and directs plays for school public performances

Audition students to select cast assign parts

Rehearse drills students to make sure they master parts

Assign nonperforming students to backstage production tasks, like constructing, painting, moving scenery, operating stage light, and sound equipment

Direct activities of students involved in constructing, painting, and lighting scenery

Teach elements of stagecraft, stage makeup, costume craft, play writing, or play direction.

Lesson planning and preparation.

Checking and assessing work.

Attending Staff meetings.Liaising with parents.

Monitoring playground and extracurricular activities.

Ongoing professional development.

Bright Explorers - London

June 2020 - August 2020

Nursery Manager

Looking after children from Babies to Toddlers

Setting Itinerary for children

Managing classroom

Delegating Staff

Lion School - London

November 2017 - September 2019

English Language & Business Teacher

Teaching Children and Adults English Grammar and Languages

Use of different techniques to illicit Common Language

Teaching Callan, Vaughan and Tefl techniques

Helping with job opportunities

Big Ben- Asia 

September 2016 - November 2017

English Language & Business Teacher

Advising student on career issues.

Teaching English Language and Literature

Organising and delivering classroom lectures to students.

Evaluating a students' class work and assignments.

Preparing classroom and coursework materials, homework assignments and handouts.

Recording and maintain accurate student attendance records and grades.

Classroom management.

Developing English lesson plans in line with the National Curriculum. KS3 & KS4

Maintaining discipline in the classroom.

Creating a vibrant teaching atmosphere

Teaching Business

Teaching Drama and Dance

Vaughan Training- Madrid 

August 2015 - August 2016

English Language & Business Teacher

The method of teaching

Basic grammar points

Organising and delivering classroom lectures to students.

Evaluating a students' class work and assignments.

Preparing classroom and coursework materials, homework assignments, handouts.

Recording and maintain accurate student attendance records and grades.

Classroom management.

How to make the students work hard in a truly dynamic way; so that they leave

each class looking forward to the next one.

Taught University Graduates and Children

Taught MD’s

EF - Brighton

July 2014 - July 2015

English Language Teacher

Teaching sets of 17 children

Advising student on career issues.

Organising and delivering classroom lectures to students.

Evaluating a students' class work and assignments.

Preparing classroom and coursework materials, homework assignments, handouts.

Recording and maintain accurate student attendance records and grades.

Classroom management.

Developing English lesson plans in line with the National Curriculum.

Maintaining discipline in the classroom.

Creating a vibrant teaching atmosphere.

PSHE

Information on resume