Helen McGarvey
Glasgow,South Lanarkshire
Summary
As an experienced educational leader, I have led teams and individuals to ensure continuous improvement. I believe Scottish children are deserving of an excellent education and I thrive on opportunities to work alongside others to achieve this. My GTCS Coaching Certificate and South Lanarkshire Training has allowed me to become a skilled coach, supporting newly appointed Head Teachers and Standard for Headship candidates. I have coached and mentored many student and probationary teachers as well as pupils, colleagues and volunteers. I have continually demonstrated a commitment to professional learning throughout my career and as an assessor for the Scottish Education Awards, have been priviledged to witness and contribute to excellence in education. I am approachable with strong communication and interpersonal skills and pride myself on developing positive relationships based on trust, honesty, transparency and consistency.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
17917
17917
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
SQA Invigilator
SQA
Glasgow
12.2024 - Current
- Prepare exam room for conducive and efficient environment. Guide candidates regarding seating arrangements and protocols before commencement of exams. Distribute examination papers and materials timely, ensuring smooth procedure of the exam.
- Assist with special arrangements for candidates with Additional Support Needs, providing equal opportunity for all.
Temporary Teacher
South Lanarkshire Council
10.2024 - Current
Responsible for learning & teaching of several stages across schools on a part-time basis, within South Lanarkshire Council
Since my early retirement in August 2024, this role has allowed me to return to teaching within the classroom.
Primary Head Teacher
South Lanarkshire Council
Burnside Primary
03.2009 - 08.2024
Responsible for the overall Leadership & Management of a large primary school. During this time, I successfully led our school through a temporary decant and rebuild over a period of two years. I also led the school through Covid and a positive HMiE Inspection.
Acting Head Teacher
South Lanarkshire Council
Burnside Primary School
04.2008 - 03.2009
Responsible for the overall Leadership and Management of the school while the Head Teacher took up a secondment, which became permanent. I was then successful at interview for the permanent role.
Depute Head Teacher
South Lanarkshire Council
Burnside Primary School
05.2003 - 05.2008
A full and varied remit which included:-
Deputising for the Head Teacher in their absence.
Contributing to the overall leadership and management of the school.
Overall pastoral responsibility for early and senior stages.
Student Teacher, NQT, new staff and volunteer mentor.
Co-ordinator for Literacy, Languages, Health & Wellbeing, Inclusion & Equality, Social Subjects and CPD
Effective communication with all stakeholders.
Senior Teacher
Glasgow City Council
Toryglen Primary School
05.1999 - 05.2003
A full and varied remit within a school with no DHTs. Main duties included:-
Deputising for the Head Teacher in their absence.
Contributing to the overall leadership and management of the school.
Overall pastoral responsibility for senior stages.
Student Teacher, NQT, new staff and volunteer mentor.
Co-ordinator for Writing, Mathematics, Inclusion & Equality and CPD.
New Horizons in Writing trainer within GCC.
Effective communication with all stakeholders.
Class Teacher
Glasgow City Council
Toryglen Primary School
08.1990 - 04.1999
Responsible for the effective learning & teaching of all stages across the primary school.
Sales Assistant (part-time)
A. Goldberg & Sons PLC
Glasgow
11.1983 - 07.1990
Education
Standard for Headship -
Scottish Government
ScotlandPostgraduate Certificate in School Management -
University of Glasgow
GlasgowBachelor of Education -
University of Strathclyde
GlasgowHNC - Business Studies
Glasgow College of Technology
GlasgowA Level - English - Grade C
Oxford & Cambridge Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Mathematics - Grade C
SQA
Certificate of Higher Education - English - Grade B
SQA
Certificate of Higher Education - French - Grade B
SQA
Certificate of Higher Education - Chemistry - Grade C
SQA
Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Leading teams and individuals to ensure continuous system improvement
- Promotion and leadership of high quality learning & teaching
- Promotion of effective professional dialogue in order to ensure high standards
- Sound pedagogical and curricular knowledge and promotion of innovative curriculum design
- Extensive experience in coaching and mentoring, ensuring both support and challenge
- Ability to provide clear, effective feedback in a supportive manner
- Knowledgeable of inclusive education and safeguarding processes and procedures
- Highly skilled in planning, learning & teaching, tracking and assessment
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Strong partnership working with colleagues, parents/carers and partners
Certification
GTCS registered with a full PVG
Full UK Driving Licence
Affiliations
- I love to sing and have been a member of many choirs; currently Glasgow's Hope Street Choir. When time permits, I enjoy crafting as well as some small art projects. I like to swim and walk regularly as well as spending as much time as possible with my family and friends.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
SQA Invigilator
SQA
12.2024 - Current
Temporary Teacher
South Lanarkshire Council
10.2024 - Current
Primary Head Teacher
South Lanarkshire Council
03.2009 - 08.2024
Acting Head Teacher
South Lanarkshire Council
04.2008 - 03.2009
Depute Head Teacher
South Lanarkshire Council
05.2003 - 05.2008
Senior Teacher
Glasgow City Council
05.1999 - 05.2003
Class Teacher
Glasgow City Council
08.1990 - 04.1999
Sales Assistant (part-time)
A. Goldberg & Sons PLC
11.1983 - 07.1990
Standard for Headship -
Scottish Government
Postgraduate Certificate in School Management -
University of Glasgow
Bachelor of Education -
University of Strathclyde
HNC - Business Studies
Glasgow College of Technology
A Level - English - Grade C
Oxford & Cambridge Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Mathematics - Grade C
SQA
Certificate of Higher Education - English - Grade B
SQA
Certificate of Higher Education - French - Grade B
SQA
Certificate of Higher Education - Chemistry - Grade C
SQA
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