Cam Connolly
Maidstone,Kent
Summary
A compassionate, highly resilient, and energetic educator who combines a creative background with advanced specialised training in behaviour management and literacy development. Passionate about the mechanics of language learning, holding a personal background in European languages and visual communication. Cultivates vibrant, safe, and highly structured learning environments and flexible teaching strategies. An empathetic mentor dedicated to helping young learners build confidence and academic stability.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Unqualified Special Educational Needs Teacher
Five Acre Wood
Maidstone, Kent
2024.09 - Current
- Managed a staff team to support everyday classroom routines and cover needs.
- Created daily lesson plans individualised for ages and key stages.
- Managed difficult behaviour using consistent strategies to keep lessons productive.
- Completed relevant documents including EHCPs and student assessments.
- Worked across multiple sites supporting primary and secondary pupils with trauma informed practice.
- Used communication methods including PECS and sign language to enhance lesson accessibility.
- Built close relationships with parents and supported external use of strategies.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to develop holistic education plans.
- Developed positive, supportive relationships that build confidence and security in lessons.
Teaching assistant in special educational needs
Five Acre Wood
Maidstone, Kent
2023.09 - 2024.08
- Prepared classroom set up for day-to-day learning and smooth transitions.
- Worked 1:1 with pupils across the site to support learning.
- Adapted lesson resources for individual needs during 1:1 sessions.
International Summer Camp Counsellor
Camp Cooper
Dunbar, East Lothian
2023.06 - 2023.08
- Planned and facilitated daily activities to ensure engaging and structured routines for campers.
- Managed diverse-aged campers through daily routines while providing engaging entertainment options.
- Supported students in practising English to enhance their communication skills and boost confidence.
- Coordinated with a team of counsellors to deliver consistent care.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Dance
University of Lincoln
Lincoln 2020.09 - 2023.06
A-Levels - Spanish (Grade C), Dance (Grade A), Law (Grade D)
Kimberley College
Stewartby, Bedford 2018.09 - 2020.06
GCSEs - 9 Passes including Spanish (Grade 7), French (Grade 6), English (Grade 7), Mathematics (Grade 7)
Wootton Upper School
Wootton, Bedford 2016.09 - 2018.07
Skills
- Phonics trained
- Trauma informed practice trained
- SEN training
- Behaviour management expertise
- PROACT SCIPr trained - crisis prevention, environment structuring and de-escalation strategies
Pedagogies:
Classroom and behaviour management:
Communication and Methodologies:
- Visual communication (BSL SSE - sign language, PECS- pictorial communication)
- Cross cultural adaptability
- Curriculum design
- Resource adaptation and flexibility
- Team Collaboration skills
- Punctuality
Operations:
Languages
English
Native
Spanish
Intermediate
French
Elementary
BSL SSE
Intermediate
Certification
- 120- Hours TEFL Certification - TEFL.org
- PROACT-SCIPr_UK Certified
- Trauma-Informed School Practictioner Training (TISUK)
- Phonics Instruction and Early Literacy Development Training
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Unqualified Special Educational Needs Teacher
Five Acre Wood
2024.09 - Current
Teaching assistant in special educational needs
Five Acre Wood
2023.09 - 2024.08
International Summer Camp Counsellor
Camp Cooper
2023.06 - 2023.08
Bachelor of Arts - Dance
University of Lincoln
2020.09 - 2023.06
A-Levels - Spanish (Grade C), Dance (Grade A), Law (Grade D)
Kimberley College
2018.09 - 2020.06
GCSEs - 9 Passes including Spanish (Grade 7), French (Grade 6), English (Grade 7), Mathematics (Grade 7)
Wootton Upper School
2016.09 - 2018.07