My Journey at Oak Lodge School

My career at Oak Lodge School spans over two decades, during which I have grown from a general Teaching Assistant (TA) to taking on specialised roles that have shaped me both professionally and personally. Starting out as a TA, I gradually moved into more focused positions, including working as a specialist TA, an unqualified teacher, and later, a qualified teacher. One of my proudest achievements has been becoming a Teacher of the Deaf (ToD) and more recently, the Deputy Head Post-16.

The support I’ve received from Oak Lodge School has been instrumental in my development. Through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and the funding provided by the school, I was able to build on my BSc in Sport Science, gain my teaching qualification, and complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Deaf Education (ToD). Each step of the way, I was encouraged to pursue further learning and embrace new challenges, which has been crucial to my growth.

As a native British Sign Language (BSL) user, I’ve been able to directly engage with students in their primary language, building strong, meaningful connections. This ability has been incredibly rewarding, as I’ve witnessed firsthand how vital communication is to a child’s educational journey.

In addition to the professional development, Oak Lodge offers invaluable mentoring, particularly for Early Career Teachers (ECT) and Teachers of the Deaf (ToD). Having been both a recipient and a provider of this mentorship, I can attest to how crucial this guidance is for navigating the unique challenges of our roles.

Oak Lodge has given me more than just a career—it has given me a community that continually supports my personal and professional growth. I am proud to be part of such a dynamic and inclusive environment.