Zoe Hopkins

I am a passionate and adaptable SEN teacher. I have 4 years experience teaching children with Special needs and over 7 years of experience working with SEN children in both education and play settings. 

 I am currently teaching in a resource base for SEND children in Kuwait English school, where I have been since September 2021. Before this I taught at another Kuwait International school for 2 years. Recently I have become a member of the SLT team and Assistant ASDAN coordinator. I have a PGCE with SEND specialism and an undergraduate degree in Sport and Physical Education. I have student teaching experience in KS1, KS2 and SEND and QTS teaching experience in two international schools in Kuwait. I believe my volunteering, teaching assistant and current teaching experience and passion for excellent education for all, makes me an ideal candidate for the position. 

I undertook a volunteering position in Zambia, where I worked in both mainstream and SEND schools, teaching their core subjects (Mathematics and English) and PE. I worked alongside local teachers to develop and deliver an enhanced curriculum for all children to access, developing their skills for daily life and work. My educational philosophy is that all children are entitled to an education that is unique and stimulating, and as a teacher I should adapt my practice where possible to cater for the needs of all. 

Through a teaching assistant job in an ASD school and my student teaching experience, I have developed my understanding of learning and education. I have engaged in different curriculums and gained an understanding of how to develop critical learners who can develop their learning independently. As I can see you are looking for someone who is  passionate and dedicated and my priority is to improve children's learning in a safe and stimulating environment so children can gain an enriched experience. I consider my experiences great for this role. 

My first teaching position in an international school in Kuwait, enabled me to experience teaching children who have English as a second language, and with children who are undiagnosed with learning needs. I taught 30 year 1 boys in my first year and 2 mixed classes of 60 children all together online. This position has increased my organisation and IT skills. It has allowed me to develop my communication skills and confidence in dealing with parents. 

My current job is in a specialist resource base for children with special educational needs. The class has 10 children of mixed ability, between the ages of 6 and 9, they are currently working between the EYFS and Year 1 English National Curriculum. Here I have developed more arabic skills, working closely with the arabic team and teaching assistants. I have been able to share my experience of ASD and help the school develop a more friendly environment for the children. Lots of collaboration with other infant teachers has enabled me to continue to develop my team work. I have been appointed the Assistant ASDAN coordinator and Behaviour lead. I am enjoying this role as it gives me a new challenge everyday. 

I have an extensive CV for working with children, both in mainstream and specialist education. I have led a team of workers at the Serennu Children’s Centre to provide quality sessions that include all children and allow them to feel a part of a team/group. This experience has enabled me to gain professional qualities such as leadership, communication skills and team work. I have worked with wider professionals such as social workers, to help safeguard children and develop critical markers in child protection cases. Overall, I have expanded my experiences, qualities and skills through this job. 

I have a PGCE with SEND specialism and an undergraduate degree in physical education.