Daniela Shankland

Background

About Daniela Shankland

I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to experience many areas of teaching, learning and subject leadership within my career. However, no matter which subject or areas are my focus, my passion is always driven by the progress the children make and the happiness it creates. Teaching is not a career that is always given the merit it deserves, yet nothing can compare to the feeling of knowing that you are making a difference to at least one learner. With this, we need to truly know each individual and have care at the forefront of our minds. Remembering always that the little people that we are shaping look to us to be their guide not only in learning, but in life. Heart and soul goes hand in hand in education and anything less will never get the best results. What is my ethos? To create a culture in education that empowers teachers and learners to reach their potential, moving away from the elements that only ‘tick a box’ or ‘put on a show’, actively tackling bureaucracy, and truly give the time to delve into what makes the mind work best and what really matters. What I have found throughout my time is that having the freedom and autonomy to think outside the box and try new approaches, encourages creativity and cultivates passion. It creates leaders in the classroom. Understanding cognitive development and actively seeking solutions that reduce barriers to learning, empowers teachers and leads to a world of teaching and learning that many never find. The greatest part? The chapters in this ‘world’ are endless. I hope I am forever learning and discovering more.