Heather Simmonds

Background

About Heather Simmonds

Profile: I am a committed Business English Specialist who is determined to provide a personalised, engaging and immersive learning environment for my clients. With 20 years’ professional experience dedicated to improving the quality of teaching and learning within English Language Teaching,(Adults, Primary and Early Years Education), I have progressed professionally to take on more challenging leadership positions. As Literacy Subject Leader,(within a large international ISP school), I successfully implemented and assessed new initiatives and continually monitored and evaulated the quality of teaching and learning. Leading a curriculum team required diplomacy, empathy, and clear direction combined with open communication with the School Leadership Team and the wider school community. Leadership and Achievements- Skilled in monitoring planning, evaluation and assessment for learning- Successfully implemented and monitored the ‘Talk for Writing’ framework Primary and Early Years- Researched and introduced an active and fun approach to phonics instruction in Early Years - Facilitated moderation meetings for learning and assessment in literacy- Achieved English Language Curriculum developmental goals in line with School Improvement Plan - Assistant Director of Studies for Young Learners in a Private Language School. Key skills- Leading school improvement in Literacy across Primary KS1 and Early Years- Implementing and evaluating initiatives –Talk for Writing, Active Phonics, School Reading Programme - Innovative cross-curricular and topic-based learning to engage and immerse learners - Applying varied methodologies and planned interventions to bring out the potential of all students - Sharing good practice and leading by example - Native British English and competent level of Spanish I have worked for a number of prestigious and innovative organisations in the UK and Spain and acquired extensive teaching experience (both on-site and remote) with a wide range of learners to include; Business English, Cambridge Examinations for Adults and young learners, IELTs and Business English classes. I currently work for an EdTech company and I use a range of strategies, techniques and innovative resources in order to provide personalised and professional online learning experiences for my students.