Terri

I’ve learned that flexibility is key – ‘when you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism’. I constantly adapt my lessons to ensure they remain engaging and effective. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work has been seeing a student make progress, no matter how small and knowing that I’ve played a part in helping them develop skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Collaborating with families, other teachers and specialists has also been a crucial part in this journey, as it allows me to create a supportive and consistent learning environment that addresses each student’s holistic needs. My experience has deepened my understanding of the diverse ways students learn and has strengthened my commitment to help every student reach their full potential.

I seek to build a relationship with the student in the first instance, find out what their strengths are and then carrying out short assessments to support any gaps in the foundations of their learning journey. If the student has an EHCP, I break down some of those targets and work this into the learning plan. I use a variety of methods, as suggested above, especially if traditional teaching has had little success. I use practical examples and real world settings to make sense of Maths and English.

I work on creating a safe learning space for students where they feel comfortable expressing their ideas and asking questions. Through active listening, tailored feedback and interactive activities I build their confidence and support them to articulate their thoughts and needs clearly.

For me…and the student, lessons need to be interactive and relevant, tailored to the individual interests and needs. Through creative teaching methods, real-world examples I encourage curiosity and transform learning into an experience that captivates and motivates the student.

I make learning an enjoyable experience – it makes concepts easier to grasp and the information sticks!