Serena Roddy
Castlerea,County Roscommon
Summary
Through my experiences on professional placement as a student teacher, working as a substitute teacher and completed one year as a principal release teacher, I have developed a strong sense of adaptability and flexibility in diverse teaching environments. I recognise the value of clear and effective communication and strive to build positive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents. My teaching philosophy is holistic, blending academic instruction with a wide range of extracurricular skills including tin whistle, guitar, singing, dancing, acting, drama, and physical education.
My time teaching in Uganda has been particularly impactful, deepening my understanding of cultural diversity and reinforcing my commitment to creating inclusive, empathetic, and respectful learning environments. I am dedicated to ongoing professional development and am enthusiastic about contributing my skills, creativity, and experiences to your school community.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Principal Release Teacher
Brusna National School
Co. Roscommon
09.2024 - Current
- I engaged in and completed the Droichead Process throughout this academic year.
- I gained a wide range of experiences through working in five different schools.
- Throughout the year, I taught multigrade classes from junior infants to sixth class inclusive. I also worked as a SET and as a EAL teacher.
- I differentiated and adapted my teaching methods according to individual student's needs which ensured an inclusive learning environment.
- I fostered strong relationships with students by displaying genuine interest in their personal growth and achievements.
- I developed effective classroom management strategies that were appropriate to each individual school and classroom setting.
- I implemented cross-curricular activities that engaged students in comprehensive learning experiences such as Wellness Wednesday African drumming workshops and 'Buddy reading' initiative.
- I created inclusive classroom settings to ensure all students felt accepted and valued in accordance with the Universal Design for Learning.
- In collaboration with the teaching Principal, I developed engaging lesson plans by applying my knowledge of educational theories and methodologies.
- I was involved in school choirs, school Christmas performances, preparing children for Holy Sacraments and various school celebrations.
Swim Teacher
Splash Swim School
Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon
04.2025 - Current
- I plan, prepare and teach fun and engaging swimming lessons for all ages of children and adults of all abilities.
- Similar to my role as a primary school teacher, I adapt by teaching methods to accommodate those with additional learning needs, promoting inclusivity in classes.
- I incorporate the use of visuals, modelling of swimming technique and use concise teaching points to engage the swimmer.
- I endeavour to foster positive relationships with parents, maintaining open lines of communication regarding their child's progress.
- I manage administrative tasks such as attendance tracking, scheduling and reporting on each swimmer's progress throughout the season.
- I cultivate a culture of mutual respect among team members, promoting a healthy competitive environment during lessons.
- I manage front desk operations including communicating with members of the public by booking appointments, processing payments, and operating the till.
- I am involved in daily operating procedures such as cleaning and testing the pool water for chlorine, PH, and temperature levels.
Kayak Instructor
P Macs Kayaks
Lough Key Forest Park
05.2021 - Current
- I am involved in the planning and organising of guided kayaking tours.
- My role involves sorting and preparing the environment and equipment to ensure the smooth transition between changing stations
- I continuously risk assess the environment, the weather conditions, customers kayaking ability, and ensuring necessary control measures are put in place.
- I model, explain, and outline the kayaking technique along with the safety instructions and expectations of the guided tour.
- I manage P Macs Kayaks information and marketing through social media platforms and record tour bookings.
School Summer Programme
Department of Education
Brusna NS
06.2025 - 07.2025
- During the school’s summer programme, I collaborated closely with teachers and SNAs to plan and prepare a weekly schedule that balanced learning, creativity, and fun.
- I provided students with enriching educational experiences, such as modelling how to create healthy lunches and guiding them in hands-on gardening activities, including sowing and caring for plants.
- I facilitated a wide variety of engaging activities to promote holistic development, including papier-mâché art, obstacle courses, tennis, dance, iPad-based learning, and interactive science experiments.
- I integrated targeted literacy and numeracy support into the programme through playful and meaningful methods. This included the use of educational technology such as Beebots, Book Creator and Topmarks to reinforce key skills in a way that was both accessible and enjoyable for the children.
- Through this role, I supported student learning in a relaxed, inclusive, and stimulating environment that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
July Provision
Department of Education
07.2022 - 08.2023
- I supported a child with autism through the summer of 2022 and 2023.
- I used neuro-affirmative approach by using the following strategies;
- I co-developed, planned and prepared a timetable of the weeks in advance, to support expectations and predictability.
- I adapted my communication style. I did not force eye contact or social interactions that were uncomfortable for the child.
- I understood their sensory preferences, and factored this into my planning and delivery of activities.
- I adopted an inclusive environment to new tasks and ensured activities appealed to their preferred interests.
- I used a multisensory approach to teaching tasks such as handwriting and development of gross motor skills.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Primary School Teacher
Mary Immaculate College
Limerick 09.2021 - 10.2024
Skills
Creativity
I am a passionate and imaginative educator with a strong background in music, drama, and art I play guitar, piano, tin whistle, African drums, and sing I am a current member of Boyle Musical Society, Castlerea Musical Society and the Lisacul Players Drama group As a former member of Evolution Stage School, I performed in venues such as the Helix, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Backstage Theatre in Longford, and the Roscommon Arts Centre I have led and accompanied school choirs for events including sacraments and special ceremonies, taking responsibility for hymn selection, rehearsals, and musical accompaniment My creativity has been consistently recognised in school placements, particularly in music and art lessons I am eager to foster creativity in students through initiatives such as school choirs, instrumental lessons, and concert preparations
Specialism in Language and Literacy
I specialised in language and literacy, gaining a strong foundation in the teaching of phonics, reading, writing, and oral language across all primary levels My literature review on phonics instruction deepened my understanding of evidence-based strategies to support early reading and writing development, particularly in the infant classes I also developed skills in supporting children with literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, and completed training in Dr Pauline Cogan's Early Dyslexia Detection Test (Test2R), which I now feel confident administering Additionally, I studied strategies for supporting EAL learners, ensuring I can foster a compassionate, inclusive, and plurilingual classroom environment where all students can access the curriculum meaningfully
Physical Activity and Wellbeing
I am passionate about integrating physical activity and wellness into my teaching My personal interests in football, swimming, kayaking, dancing, and fitness inform my understanding on the value of movement breaks for overall well-being In the classroom, I foster an inclusive, supportive, and playful environment I regularly incorporate movement breaks to help children stay focused and regulate themselves in a fun, engaging way Mindfulness and positive mental health practices are also central to my approach With the introduction of the new wellbeing curriculum, I'm eager to apply my knowledge and experience to create a nurturing, encouraging space where students can thrive academically and personally
Non-accredited Courses
Mary Immaculate College Religion Certificate (2024)
Tusla Introduction to Children First E- learning Programme (2024)
Sligo Education Centre- From Regulation to Relaxation: Creating Calm Corners and Emotional Toolkits (2024)
Sligo Education Centre- Behavioural Regulation in the Classroom (2025)
Royal Life Saving Society Assistant Swimming Teacher's IOL Level 2 award (2025)
Royal Life Saving Society pool lifeguard qualification (2021)
Water Skills Academy Sit on top kayak instructor qualification (2022)
Irish Water Safety Basic Life support 2 certificate with first aid (2017)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
School Summer Programme
Department of Education
06.2025 - 07.2025
Swim Teacher
Splash Swim School
04.2025 - Current
Principal Release Teacher
Brusna National School
09.2024 - Current
July Provision
Department of Education
07.2022 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Education - Primary School Teacher
Mary Immaculate College
09.2021 - 10.2024
Kayak Instructor
P Macs Kayaks
05.2021 - Current
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