Karen O'Connor Desmond

• Planned and delivered engaging, differentiated learning experiences across the Primary Curriculum, with a focus on inclusive, active and inquiry-based learning approaches.
• Developed literacy-rich learning experiences to support pupils’ oral language, reading and writing skills, including creating a class poetry magazine to celebrate pupils’ creativity and communication.
• Supported pupils with diverse learning needs, including EALPlan and deliver engaging, differentiated learning experiences across the Primary Curriculum, with a focus on inclusive, active and inquiry-based learning approaches.
• Develop literacy-rich learning experiences to support pupils’ oral language, reading and writing skills, including creating a class poetry magazine this year to celebrate pupils’ creativity and communication.
• Support pupils with diverse learning needs, including EAL learners, through differentiated approaches and collaboration with Special Education Teachers to implement appropriate supports and inclusive classroom practices.
• Use assessment strategies to monitor pupil progress, inform teaching and support learning, including compiling end-of-term assessments and annual reports.
• Co-lead the Student Council, encouraging pupil voice, leadership and active participation in school life.
• Incorporate outdoor and practical learning experiences to promote curiosity, engagement and connections with the natural environment.learners, through differentiated approaches and collaboration with Special Education Teachers to implement appropriate supports and inclusive classroom practices.
• Used assessment strategies to monitor pupil progress, inform teaching and support learning, including compiling end-of-term assessments and annual reports.
• Co-led the Student Council, encouraging pupil voice, leadership and active participation in school life.
• Incorporated outdoor and practical learning experiences to promote curiosity, engagement and connections with the natural environment.

Provided short-term teaching cover across a range of mainstream and support settings, working with pupils across a variety of age groups. Planned and delivered engaging lessons across the Primary Curriculum while adapting teaching approaches to meet diverse learning needs. Gained experience working in Special Education Teacher (SET) roles and in a Special School across both primary and post-primary departments, delivering differentiated learning experiences tailored to individual needs and supporting pupils with a wide range of abilities and learning profiles.

Supported the effective administration and communication of the organisation through preparing reports, coordinating meetings, maintaining records and managing correspondence. Developed strong organisational, written communication and information management skills through supporting executive meetings, publications and internal systems.

Analysed language data to evaluate accuracy in artificial intelligence systems, with a focus on grammar, spelling, language variation and communication patterns. Developed strong attention to detail and understanding of language structures, including regional differences in vocabulary, accent and usage.

Managed a team of content writers and language specialists, providing guidance on writing quality, communication and effective use of English. Edited and developed written content across multiple domains, adapting language and style for different audiences. Coordinated team schedules, training and performance reviews while collaborating with other departments to deliver high-quality written materials.

Taught English to learners of varying ages and abilities, including primary-aged children developing their first English language skills and students preparing for Cambridge English examinations (B1 - C1 levels). Planned and delivered engaging lessons focused on reading, writing, speaking and listening, adapting approaches to support different stages of language development. Assessed student progress, provided targeted feedback and prepared learners for oral examinations. Maintained regular communication with students, parents and school management regarding progress, learning goals and support needs.