Donna Cooper
Finland
Summary
Energetic employee well-versed in strong communication and organisation skills. Seeks solutions to problems. Adept at multi-tasking, leading group discussions and managing projects.
Compassionate and dedicated individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, complemented by strong background in child development and educational support. Proven ability to manage challenging behaviours and create inclusive learning environments.
Caring Paraprofessional offering 35 years in classroom management and student support in multi-disciplinary, team-based approach.
Loyal employee with solid understanding of training and mentoring employees. Dedicated team player, proactive and hands-on support, where needed.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Special needs assistant/ Teaching
Protocol Education agency
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
2024.10 - Current
- Maintained accurate records on individual pupil progress which informed further teaching strategies.
- Promoted inclusivity with implementation of differentiated instruction strategies.
- Organised stimulating educational visits that enhanced practical knowledge and experiences outside the classroom setting.
- Administered medication under supervision as needed, ensuring student health and safety at all times.
- Enhanced learning opportunities by creating sensory activities for students with special needs.
- Fostered a positive learning environment to support emotional and mental wellbeing of students.
- Facilitated art therapy sessions for emotional expression and exploration.
Teacher
Ankkalampi Ankdamen Duckies
Espoo, Finland
2023.01 - 2025.06
- Took part in parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement.
- Adhered strictly to syllabus guidelines whilst teaching various subjects across different grade levels.
- Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods.
- Fostered a positive learning environment for student engagement through effective classroom management.
- Prepared stimulating classroom displays, encouraged student creativity and interest in subject matter.
- Organised school events such as sports day or concerts showcasing student talents beyond academics.
- Worked closely with colleagues for implementing cross-curricular projects that engaged students in comprehensive learning experiences.
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with latest teaching methodologies.
- Coordinated school trips, broadened the pupils' cultural exposure and understanding.
- Assessed student progress, provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their children's performance and behaviour at school.
- Fostered strong relationships with students by displaying genuine interest in their personal growth and achievements.
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
- Promoted physical, mental and social development by implementing classroom games and outdoor recreational activities.
- Prioritised strategies to develop responsible, independent learners.
Teacher/ group leader
Finnish American kindergarten
Helsinki , Finland
2019.03 - 2021.08
- Fostered strong relationships with students by displaying genuine interest in their personal growth and achievements.
- Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods.
- Collaborated with special education professionals to cater for needs of differently-abled pupils in regular classrooms.
- Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued.
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with latest teaching methodologies.
- Worked closely with colleagues for implementing cross-curricular projects that engaged students in comprehensive learning experiences.
- Organised school events such as sports day or concerts showcasing student talents beyond academics.
- Took part in parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their children's performance and behaviour at school.
- Utilised ICT tools, enhanced interactive learning experience in classrooms.
- Boosted students' reading comprehension with creative teaching strategies.
- Coordinated school trips, broadened the pupils' cultural exposure and understanding.
- Prepared stimulating classroom displays, encouraged student creativity and interest in subject matter.
- Adjusted teaching methods according to individual student's needs, ensured inclusive learning environment.
- Created lesson plans and scheduled each day to promote maximum student engagement.
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations.
- Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks.
Education
First Aid Course - First Aid with the emphasis on children.
ensiapuvalmennus.fi
Finland 2023.10 - 2026.10
Safeguarding children - Safeguarding children
The CPD Certification service
Gateshead 2024.09 - 2025.09
NVQ Level 2 - Mental health advocacy in the workplace
NCFE CACHE
Gateshead 2022.09 - 2022.10
Certificate of Higher Education - Training for classroom assistants
NCFE
Newcastle upon Tyne 2021.09 - 2022.06
Bachelor of Arts - Play Therapy\ Social studies
Leeds Metropolitan University
Leeds 2003.09 - 2006.05
Diploma of Higher Education - Counselling skills
NCFE
Newcastle upon Tyne 2015.09 - 2016.07
Skills
- Autism spectrum understanding
- Specialised curriculum knowledge
- ADHD support strategies
- Disability understanding
- Systematic instruction approach
- Compassionate attitude
- Special needs advocacy
- Learning difficulties adaptation
- Numeracy support techniques
- Feeding techniques knowledge
- Visual schedule development
- Individual education plan development
- Constructive feedback giving
- Understanding of confidentiality
- Additional support need encouragement
- First Aid
- Behaviour management
- Autism support
- Behaviour modification
- Data Protection Act compliance
- Individual Education Plan (IEP) support
- Individual learning support
Affiliations
- Swimming. Reading. Walking in nature. Arts and Crafts.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special needs assistant/ Teaching
Protocol Education agency
2024.10 - Current
Safeguarding children - Safeguarding children
The CPD Certification service
2024.09 - 2025.09
First Aid Course - First Aid with the emphasis on children.
ensiapuvalmennus.fi
2023.10 - 2026.10
Teacher
Ankkalampi Ankdamen Duckies
2023.01 - 2025.06
NVQ Level 2 - Mental health advocacy in the workplace
NCFE CACHE
2022.09 - 2022.10
Certificate of Higher Education - Training for classroom assistants
NCFE
2021.09 - 2022.06
Teacher/ group leader
Finnish American kindergarten
2019.03 - 2021.08
Diploma of Higher Education - Counselling skills
NCFE
2015.09 - 2016.07
Bachelor of Arts - Play Therapy\ Social studies
Leeds Metropolitan University
2003.09 - 2006.05