DIGITAL INSTRUCTOR AND E-LEARNING DESIGNER
Passionate and innovative senior learning professional with over sixteen years of experience in secondary and further education, driven to transition into Digital Instruction. Currently completing a Diploma in Instructional Design through the Digital Learning Institute. Bringing a robust understanding of pedagogy/andragogy and remaining abreast of cutting-edge educational research to inform effective learning strategies. Demonstrating adept leadership and management skills, through a leadership qualification (NPQSL) attained through successfully implementing a project to elevate standards.
A background in Art learning and practice as an Artist, resulting in proficient skills in using graphic design software, social media platforms and Learning Management Systems. Excited to leverage my diverse skill set to create engaging e-learning materials. Committed to ensuring that all e-learning content is inclusive and accessible, aligning with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and catering to individual learning styles and preferences.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
George Spencer Academy March 2021
National Professional Qualification Senior Leadership – Pass
Bishop Grosseteste University June 2017
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Secondary Religious Education) – Pass
University of Leicester June 2016
BA Hons Education Studies and Religious Studies - 2:2
SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS / CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Curriculum Development: Designed a comprehensive Art and Design curriculum that aligned with the National Curriculum, made cross-curricular links with other subjects and prepared students to work independently on project-based learning. This led to staff being prepared and knowledgeable to deliver high-quality curriculum content.
- Learning Facilitator: Led and quality-assured learning that catered to diverse learning styles and abilities., fostering a deeper understanding of learning concepts and techniques. The content was developed to be concise and well-sequenced. The feedback policy was designed to be more formative, specific, and consistent. Learning delivered using more using direct instruction and understanding developed through effective questioning techniques. Our internal assessments revealed that as a result students remembered more knowledge and could apply this knowledge better. The impact of this can also be seen through pre-pandemic results as GCCE Progress 8 moved from -0.95 in 2017 to 0.18 in 2019 and then 0.48 in 2020. The profile of Art significantly improved as an academic subject and the student uptake in Art. This curriculum is still in use today.
- Project-Based Learning Modules: Designed project-based learning modules that guided students through the process of conceptualising, planning, and executing practical projects while integrating relevant academic content and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The impact of this is that the academic results of learners in national exams improved.
- Technology Integration: Designed and led the integration of digital technology into practice to support the consistency of the quality and delivery of homework as part of my project for my qualification NPQSL National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. This digital platform was also used to deliver blended learning for all students during the pandemic.
- Graphic Design: Created and designed digital assets for learning instruction and branded promotional materials using photography, graphic design, multimedia presentations and digital tutorials to enhance student learning, engagement and creativity and support online communication and marketing to stakeholders. I am aware of licensing regulations and proficient in using and training in the use of the Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and Procreate for digital applications or to be used in print.
- Professional Development Training and Strategy: Facilitating professional development workshops and training sessions for all educators on topics related to technology integration, educational research, and education pedagogy. The training I delivered on improving and setting homework digitally resulted in Quantitative data showing that as a result, the Homework (HW) set by teachers had increased by 991%. Overall student HW submission had increased by 2135%. Overall HW submission by Pupil Premium students had increased by 2324%. The HW response rate had increased by 106%. Qualitative research also shows that HW has improved, and staff are continuing to improve the quality of what they set.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Initiatives: Passionate about inclusivity and aware of the principles underpinning Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in instructional design, I have experience creating inclusive learning experiences that accommodate diverse learner needs and preferences. As a result, I have been able to close the learning gap for learners with Special Educational Needs.
- Course Authoring Tools: Currently in the process of designing an online Art course using Articulate 360. As a result, I am aware of SCORM compliance and will be able to make passive income through sharing my teaching expertise in Art creation and learning facilitation.
- Instructional Design Models (IDM): Knowledge of IDM including ADDIE because of working on the completion of a Diploma in Instructional Design. This has enabled me to make connections between the learning design processes in school education and models found in the field of digital instruction in the corporate world.
- Coaching and Mentoring: To support leading a team of eleven learning professionals including trainees I undertook training in coaching and was able to develop my skills through coaching conversations to improve and develop the quality of learning delivered and curriculum quality across the Design and Technology and Art Faculty. Through mentoring and coaching our trainee educators were able to qualify.
CAREER HISTORY
Art Educator
The Priory Federation of Academies – Priory Lincoln Academy June 2023 – Present
- Planning and delivering engaging art lessons tailored to student needs.
- Using assessment to monitor progress and providing feedback to improve outcomes.
- Maintaining accurate student records and communicating effectively with stakeholders.
Head of Faculty (Learning Leader and Project Manager) June 2021 - December 2022
The Priory Federation of Academies – Priory Lincoln Academy
- Spearheaded the leadership of Art, Resistant Materials, and Food Technology, resulting in cross-curricular skills training and more learners having access to specialist practical learning and meeting the expectations of the National Curriculum.
- Conducted rigorous quality assurance processes and provided staff training, targeted support, feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunities to develop members of the team and raise standards across the faculty.
- Developed and implemented health and safety policies to ensure legal compliance and develop a better staff understanding of health and safety practices and compliance with directives.
- Managed departmental budgets and resources efficiently meeting expenditures budget.
- Liaised effectively with school leadership to align departmental goals with school-wide strategic objectives, contributing to an increase in departmental alignment and synergy with the broader academy community.
- Championed a culture of innovation and collaboration and stayed abreast of educational trends and best practices, leading to curriculum development in Food Technology that was compliant with the National Curriculum and prepared students for the demands of national examinations.
- Supported the Head of Design and Technology to manage and lead the team in a manner that fostered teamwork and collaboration.
- Designed and managed the distribution of quality cover work for use when staff were absent.
- Coached, guided, and mentored trainee teachers resulting in them achieving QTS.
Head of Art (Learning Leader and Project Manager)
The Priory Federation of Academies – Priory Lincoln Academy October 2017 – May 2023
- Directed the Art department, overseeing learning and quality assurance in Graphics, Photography, and Fine Art, resulting in an overall increase in student enrolment in public examination courses surpassing KPI targets for departmental growth.
- Optimised resource allocation to enhance teaching and learning experiences, achieving an increase in resource utilisation efficiency and cost savings, demonstrating strong ROI on departmental investments.
- Monitored student progress through a strategic assessment initiative and implemented targeted interventions, resulting in improvement in student achievement and academic outcomes.
- Organised extracurricular art activities and trips, attracting an increase in student participation, enriching students' artistic experiences and contributing to a vibrant school culture.
- Stayed abreast of Art education best practices and trends, leading a well-planned curriculum including innovation and relevance, ensuring students receive a high-quality Art education and strengthening cross-curricular links.
- Coordinated public examination entries, marking, standardisation and assessment.
- Communicated effectively to a range of stakeholders in support of learner progress and well-being.
Earlier Career
Head of House (Pastoral Leader and Manager for a quarter of academy learners) February 2017 – October 2017
The Priory Federation of Academies – Priory Lincoln Academy
House Parent January 2017 – Jan 2018
The Priory Federation of Academies - Robert de Cheney Boarding House
Lincoln School of Science and Technology
Art Educator June 2014 – June 2017
The Priory Federation of Academies – Priory Lincoln Academy
Art Educator September 2012– May 2014
Horncastle Education Trust, Horncastle, Lincolnshire.
Art Educator March 2011– August 2012
The Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT), Stickney, Lincolnshire.
Religious Studies Educator September 2009– December 2010
Nicolas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, Richmond, North Yorkshire.
Assistant Expedition Leader June 2009 – July 2009
World Challenge – UK Head Office Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
Outdoor Activity Instructor January 2009 – May 2009
The Actual Reality Trust, Ardentinny, Scotland.
Religious Studies Educator September 2007- December 2008
The Abbey, Reading, Berkshire.