Holly Tighe
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Experienced educator specialising in special needs education and classroom management. Proficient in designing innovative lessons and implementing collaborative learning strategies. Focused on creating inclusive environments that enhance educational outcomes for diverse learners. Committed to promoting academic success through tailored instructional approaches.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
English Lead Years 1-4
Glendale international School
Dubai
08.2025 - Current
- Led the strategic development and implementation of the English curriculum across Years 1–4, ensuring progression, consistency and alignment with national standards.
- Designed, moderated and quality-assured assessment materials, including examination papers, to ensure reliability, challenge and curriculum coverage.
- Organised and delivered whole-school literacy initiatives and in-house competitions, including Literacy Day, spelling bees and reading challenges, to promote pupil engagement and a love of reading and writing.
- Supported teachers with planning, assessment and differentiation through coaching, shared resources and professional dialogue.
- Led moderation sessions across year groups to standardise teacher judgements and raise expectations in reading, writing and spelling.
- Analysed attainment and progress data to identify trends, inform teaching priorities and support targeted interventions.
- Worked collaboratively with senior leaders to review, refine and develop the English curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Primary Homeroom Teacher
Glendale Int. School
Dubai, UAE
08.2023 - 12.2025
- Planned and delivered engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons for Year 2 and Year 5, promoting academic progress and curiosity.
- Established a positive, well-managed classroom environment with clear expectations and respectful behaviour.
- Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs, providing targeted support and appropriate challenge.
- Assessed pupil progress through ongoing formative and summative assessment, using data to inform teaching and report to parents.
- Built strong partnerships with parents through regular communication and collaborative support.
- Engaged in continuous professional development and collaborated with colleagues to enhance teaching practice and contribute to whole-school initiatives.
Spanish Grinds Teacher
06.2018 - 12.2025
- Teaching groups of 2-3 students at a time
- Preparing students for state examinations
- Preparing relevant material beforehand
- Relating with the students and helping them with problems.
Substitute Teacher/Homeschooling
Various Primary Schools
01.2022 - 09.2024
- Subbing in various schools around the city and county
- Working collaboratively with other teachers
- Preparing and organizing work for students
- Adapting teaching methods to fit the needs of each student
- Supervising students in and out of the classroom.
English Language Assistant
Escola Turbula
Barcelona
01.2017 - 06.2017
- Working alongside main English teacher whilst having small classes of my own
- Successfully helping students with questions and problems
- Preparing material for classes
- Working pro-actively alongside many teachers from different faculties.
Education
Professional Masters in Primary Education -
Hibernia College Dublin
05.2021 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts in European Studies - undefined
The University of Limerick
01.2015 - 04.2019
Erasmus - undefined
The University of Granada
09.2017 - 05.2017
Skills
- Special needs education
- Classroom planning and management
- Innovative lesson design
- Collaborative learning strategies
- Effective time management
Certification
- Annual Certificate in Child Protection and Safeguarding for Staff for International Schools
- Principals Recognition Award
- Primary Reading: Identifying and Overcoming Barriers to Reach Expected Standards
- Primary Reading: Develop Reading Comprehension Skills
- Teaching Vocabulary Skills to Accelerate Learning |Primary
- Primary Phonics: Ensuring Fidelity to a Single SSP Programme
- Heartfulness Trainer Certification by Heartfulness Program for Schools
- Manual Handling Certificate
- Basic First Aid
- Fire Warden Training
- Spanish CEFR B2
Languages
English
Native
Irish
Advanced
Spanish
Advanced
Affiliations
- Reading Travelling Cooking
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
English Lead Years 1-4
Glendale international School
08.2025 - Current
Primary Homeroom Teacher
Glendale Int. School
08.2023 - 12.2025
Substitute Teacher/Homeschooling
Various Primary Schools
01.2022 - 09.2024
Professional Masters in Primary Education -
Hibernia College Dublin
05.2021 - 05.2023
Spanish Grinds Teacher
06.2018 - 12.2025
Erasmus - undefined
The University of Granada
09.2017 - 05.2017
English Language Assistant
Escola Turbula
01.2017 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Arts in European Studies - undefined
The University of Limerick
01.2015 - 04.2019