I have been working in education for over 18 years and consider teaching to be a noble and crucial profession. Being a teacher is not just about imparting knowledge but it is about modelling how we want the world to be and ensuring our students have role models that demonstrate a higher purpose and vision than simply material or examination success. A teacher’s role is to develop subject knowledge, a facilitator to guide students on the path to exam success. But a teacher also has a higher purpose – to inspire students to be the best they can be and have a vision to improve the world and approach life with creativity and optimism.

I started my teaching journey in China , where I taught English as a foreign language for a 3 month placement before qualifying as a teacher in the UK at the University of Chester. I then worked for 8 years in the UK at two large high performing comprehensive schools, one in Oxfordshire and one in Staffordshire, where I gained experience  as a Head of department. I then made the leap into international schools, working in Uganda, East Africa where I was responsible for leading History but also gained 2 years experience as a Head of Sixth form. In 2019, I was appointed Deputy Head of the Secondary School, remaining in that role for 4 years, leading the academic section of the school before moving to Avenor College.  My mantra in these roles has always been about opportunity and I let this guide me with decision making as to what brings the most opportunity and positive outcomes for the students. 

I am a History specialist and I love researching history and visiting places of historical interest. I also love wildlife and nature and I enjoy taking pictures of wildlife and travelling to remote places in search of a glimpse of different animals. I also have a passion for folk music and enjoy writing songs and singing them on my acoustic guitar. I like to think what I lack in talent I make up for with enthusiasm. My other interest is philosophy and I love debating about the world and reading a variety of authors and evaluating their philosophical views. 

I am super excited to be starting my next chapter in Romania, which has such a vibrant and interesting history. I will also be keen to sample the local food, try and learn the language and spend holidays exploring this wonderful country. As well as visiting some incredible places like the Danube Delta, I also am excited to learn more about Romanian authors and thinkers such as Mircea Eliade and Emil Cioran. I also enjoy cooking and want to try and create some Romanian classic dishes like Sarmale.

My hopes and dreams for Avenor College is to keep improving and to be the most outstanding school on the planet!  I want to see Avenor be a beacon of excellence, rich in opportunity for the whole of the school community. In addition, I want Avenor to be a stimulating, rewarding and happy place where all who walk through the doors prosper and feel the buzz of Avenor College, where we do each other proud on a day to day basis, serving and helping each other.