LJMU featured alumni

After completing my PGCE Primary (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) with QTS at Liverpool John Moores University, graduating with Distinction, I secured a teaching role within the same specialist setting where I had previously worked as a Teaching Assistant. This progression allowed me to build on my practical experience while developing my professional identity as a SEND practitioner.

During my Early Career Teacher (ECT) years, I continued my academic journey by undertaking an MA in Education Practice at LJMU, achieving an overall Distinction. This enabled me to deepen my knowledge of SEND, policy, and pedagogy. My dissertation, titled "An Investigation into Educators' Attitudes and Challenges in Teaching Learners with Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) within a Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) Setting," reflected my passion for inclusive education and contributed to my growing interest in practitioner research.

I am currently studying for a Doctor of Education (EdD) at LJMU. This has allowed me to further explore my professional identity and critically engage with the wider systemic and policy related challenges within education. Following my recent diagnosis of Autism at the age of 30, my research interests have developed to focus on neurodiverse educators, specifically examining how neurodivergent traits influence professional practice when implementing Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans.

In my current role as a SEND teacher, I am responsible for a class of eight learners with complex and severe learning difficulties. I am committed to ensuring that teaching and learning is highly individualised, adaptive, and inclusive, enabling all pupils to make meaningful progress towards their EHC Plan outcomes. A key aspect of my practice involves the use of adaptive communication strategies to ensure every learner can express their voice. Alongside my classroom role, I am also part of the Positive Behaviour Support Team and serve as a Staff Wellbeing Lead, reflecting my commitment to both pupil and staff support.

Looking ahead, my aspiration is to contribute to higher education, particularly through working with LJMU as a lecturer. I am passionate about SEND and inclusive practice, and I hope to use my academic and professional experience to support and inspire the next generation of educators.