Anne Clarke
Brighton
Summary
Decades of experience in education specialising in students with complex needs, showcasing strong management of diverse roles and responsibilities. Proven adaptability through recent positions as a driving instructor trainee and charity volunteer. Ready to apply extensive skills in a new professional environment.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work history
Retired Teacher
Early Retirement
2025.09 - Current
- I moved into early retirement from teaching career upon reaching 55.
Charity Volunteer
World Animal Friends
Hailsham, East Sussex
2025.03 - Current
- I organise online auctions aimed at raising funds for volunteer programmes and initiatives assisting street animals in various countries.
Cat Shelter Volunteer
City Cat Shelter
Brighton, Brighton and Hove
2017.06 - Current
- I maintain clean living conditions for shelter cats, ensuring access to food, water, and appropriate medication.
- I deliver tailored attention to shelter cats based on individual needs (cuddles if they want attention / space if they don't!)
- I demonstrate flexibility in responding to the varying requirements of the shelter.
Complex Needs Teacher
Manor Green College
Crawley, West Sussex
2000.09 - 2025.08
- I developed personalised Individual Education Plans to address complex student needs.
- I designed practical life skills lessons to promote student independence.
- I devised effective strategies to manage challenging behaviours with empathy.
- I liaised with classroom support staff, multidisciplinary teams, and parents to ensure holistic student support.
- I fostered a positive working environment within my team to encourage resilience and enthusiasm in the face of challenges. "Sometimes if you don't laugh, you'd cry!"
Driving Instructor Trainee
Learner Driving Centre
Brighton
2022.01 - 2023.08
- I developed bespoke lesson plans tailored to individual learner abilities and progress.
- I established rapport with students, fostering confidence through calm, empathetic and clear instruction delivery.
- I motivated learners with consistent encouragement and constructive feedback.
Complex Needs Teacher
Whitefield Schools and Centre
Walthamstow, Waltham Forest
1997.09 - 2000.08
Gap Year Travelling
Australia
1996.09 - 1997.08
English Teacher
Coopers Co and Coburn School
Upminster, London
1994.09 - 1996.08
Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Education
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow 06.1994
Bachelor of Arts - English & Social Studies
Queen’s University Belfast
Belfast06.1992
Skills
- Disability and Complex Needs expertise
- Organisational skills
- Animal care experience
- Empathetic team management
- Effective communication and building rapport
- Empathetic behaviour management techniques
- Resilience under pressure
- Resourcefulness in problem-solving
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Personal care and first aid skills
References
References available upon request.
Interests
Volunteering
Exploring new places in our camper van
Listening to audio books
Fitness activities, yoga & walking, then undoing all the good work with lunch and a couple of glasses of wine in a nice country pub!
Timeline
Retired Teacher
Early Retirement
2025.09 - Current
Charity Volunteer
World Animal Friends
2025.03 - Current
Driving Instructor Trainee
Learner Driving Centre
2022.01 - 2023.08
Cat Shelter Volunteer
City Cat Shelter
2017.06 - Current
Complex Needs Teacher
Manor Green College
2000.09 - 2025.08
Complex Needs Teacher
Whitefield Schools and Centre
1997.09 - 2000.08
Gap Year Travelling
Australia
1996.09 - 1997.08
English Teacher
Coopers Co and Coburn School
1994.09 - 1996.08
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Education
University of Strathclyde
Bachelor of Arts - English & Social Studies
Queen’s University Belfast