Dawn Brierley
Summary
Passionate and innovative educator with extensive experience in teaching English, Humanities, and Middle School Science in an international school setting. Skilled in fostering inclusive, student-centred learning environments that promote critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and global citizenship. Proven expertise in curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and student assessment to support diverse learning needs. A dedicated pastoral leader committed to student well-being, holistic development, and creating a positive, engaging classroom culture.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Year 7 Pastoral Leader & ELD Teacher
Sotogrande International School
Sotogrande
01.2020 - Current
- Develop and deliver an interdisciplinary curriculum integrating historical, geographical, and literary contexts to enhance student understanding
- Design rigorous yet accessible English, Science, and Humanities programmes aligned with international curricula, ensuring strong student outcomes for diverse learners
- Implement differentiated instruction and assessment strategies to track progress, provide meaningful feedback, and support students with varied learning needs, including EAL and neurodivergent students
- Lead Year 7 pastoral care, overseeing student well-being, safeguarding, and transition support while fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment
- Designed and implemented a pastoral curriculum fostering inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives
- Introduce active learning strategies, including outdoor lessons and movement-based activities, to enhance student engagement and retention
- Collaborate with colleagues, learning support teams, and parents to maximize student success in a multicultural environment with over 80 nationalities
- Participate in professional development initiatives, including an Erasmus neurodivergent project supporting educators working with autistic learners
Literacy Tutor
St. Martin's Primary School
03.2014 - 05.2014
- Delivered small group literacy support to improve student reading and comprehension
- Designed interventions to boost student confidence and engagement in literacy activities
English Teacher
Matthew Moss High School
09.2012 - 07.2013
- Taught Key Stages 3 & 4 (GCSE and Entry Level Certificates) across mixed ability classes
- Supported EAL and SEN students, ensuring differentiated learning strategies to maximize student success
- Developed and delivered engaging lessons that fostered literacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills
GTP English Teacher
Siddal Moor Sports College
09.2011 - 07.2012
- Taught English across Key Stages 3 & 4, including GCSE exam preparation
- Developed creative lesson plans to enhance student literacy and writing proficiency
- Provided targeted interventions for students needing additional support
Education
Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) - Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Matthew Moss ITT Partnership
01.2012
MA - American Cultural Studies
The University of Manchester
01.2010
BA (Hons) - American Studies
The University of Manchester
01.2004
Skills
- Student-Centred Learning
- Innovative curriculum development
- Differentiation
- Interdisciplinary curriculum development
- English
- Humanities
- Middle School Science
- Pastoral care
- Well-being
- Academic support
- Social-emotional support
- Assessment
- Progress Tracking
- Monitoring
- Constructive feedback
- Reporting
- International education
- Cross-cultural awareness
- Global citizenship
- Excellent classroom management
- Creating inclusive learning environments
- Engaging learning environments
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Community engagement
- Student enrichment activities
Hobbies and Interests
- Travel & cultural exploration
- Meditation & mindfulness
- Adventure activities
- Reading & creative writing
References
- Rachel Dent, Head Teacher, Sotogrande International School, rdent@sis.gl
- Gavin Palmer, Head Teacher, Sunny View School, g.palmer@sunnyviewschool.com
- Mark Moorhouse, Chief Executive Officer, Watergrove Trust, info@watergrovetrust.co.uk
Relocation And Availability
I hold Spanish residency, allowing me to work in EU countries without post-Brexit restrictions. I will be relocating to Fiesole / Florence in July.
Languages
English
First Language
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
B1
French
Elementary (A2)
A2
Italian
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Year 7 Pastoral Leader & ELD Teacher
Sotogrande International School
01.2020 - Current
Literacy Tutor
St. Martin's Primary School
03.2014 - 05.2014
English Teacher
Matthew Moss High School
09.2012 - 07.2013
GTP English Teacher
Siddal Moor Sports College
09.2011 - 07.2012
Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) - Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Matthew Moss ITT Partnership
MA - American Cultural Studies
The University of Manchester
BA (Hons) - American Studies
The University of Manchester
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