Ian McKay
Sheffield
Summary
Accomplished educator with expertise in critical thinking facilitation and individualized education plans. Proficient in literacy instruction and vocabulary expansion, qualified for NPQLL in January 2025. Experienced in public speaking, literature discussion, and teacher training, with a strong foundation in English grammar and text analysis. Committed to curriculum development and SEN support, utilizing distance learning strategies to enhance educational outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Teacher of English
Aston Academy
Sheffield
09.2018 - Current
- Achieved NPQ (National Professional Qualification) in Leading Literacy (January 2025).
- Led Year 9 Drama and English Disadvantaged provision, enhancing student engagement.
- Developed lesson plans that encouraged exploration of literary themes and language skills.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to boost participation and critical thinking.
- Facilitated collaborative projects, promoting teamwork and communication among pupils.
- Conducted formative and summative assessments to tailor instruction to individual needs.
- Mentored new teachers by sharing best practices in classroom management techniques.
- Enhanced curriculum integration of technology and multimedia resources into lessons.
- Liaised with parents regularly to track and support student progress.
Teacher of English
The McAuley Catholic High school
Doncaster
09.2017 - 08.2018
- Improved GCSE Resit students grades by 50% from September to November.
- Led BBC in Schools project, fostering critical thinking and creativity through engaging lesson plans.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that encouraged expression of ideas and opinions.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to support diverse learning styles.
- Conducted regular assessments, delivering constructive feedback to enhance student progress.
- Organised extracurricular activities to improve language skills and cultural awareness.
- Utilised technology to enhance lesson delivery and increase student engagement.
- Attended professional development workshops to remain current with educational trends.
- Integrated diverse texts into syllabus, boosting cultural awareness among students.
Teacher of English
Heritage High School
Chesterfield, Derbyshire
09.2016 - 08.2017
- Designed engaging lesson plans to deepen understanding of English literature and language.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that fostered critical thinking and enhanced communication skills.
- Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for growth.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create cross-curricular projects integrating English with other subjects.
- Adapted teaching strategies to meet individual student needs, promoting overall academic development.
- Maintained open communication with parents regarding student progress and concerns.
- Utilised technology to modernise instructional practices effectively.
- Incorporated diverse texts into syllabus to increase cultural awareness.
Trainee Teacher of English
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Developed engaging lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
- Facilitated interactive discussions that promoted student participation and critical thinking.
- Assisted in assessing student progress through regular feedback and evaluations.
- Collaborated with colleagues to foster supportive and inclusive classroom environment.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to enhance language acquisition skills.
- Researched and utilised contemporary educational resources to enrich curriculum delivery.
- Adapted lesson plans for individual learning requirements, focusing on special needs students.
- Delivered lessons in accordance with school curriculum guidelines, ensuring consistency across classrooms.
Level 2 Teaching Assistant
Parkwood E-ACT Academy
Sheffield
03.2015 - 08.2015
- Collaborated with staff to tailor learning materials for diverse learners.
- Implemented individualised support plans to foster inclusivity for students with special needs.
- Facilitated small group activities, enhancing student engagement in core subjects.
- Supervised students across various school settings, ensuring secure environment.
- Monitored behaviour, offering feedback to maintain positive classroom dynamics.
- Supported teachers in delivering engaging lessons and addressing learning needs.
- Guided struggling students individually to boost academic performance.
- Worked on the NURTURE programme, aiding students in mainstream lessons.
Volunteer Classroom Assistant
Birley Community College
Sheffield
09.2014 - 03.2015
- Facilitated engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning and participation.
- Supervised students during transitions and breaks, ensuring safety and policy adherence.
- Promoted positive behaviour and collaboration within classroom settings.
- Provided one-on-one support to students needing additional assistance with coursework.
- Prepared visual aids to improve lesson delivery effectiveness.
- Assisted educational staff in identifying and addressing individual student needs.
- Organised small group activities to reinforce key concepts and foster interaction.
- Delivered administrative assistance to enhance office efficiency.
Education
Master of Arts - Applied Professional Studies in Education (Secondary English with QTS)
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield 09.2015 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature with English Language
Bangor University
Bangor, Gwynedd 09.2011 - 08.2014
A-Levels -
Notre Dame High School
Sheffield 09.2009 - 08.2011
GCSEs -
Bradfield School
Sheffield 09.2004 - 08.2009
Skills
- Public speaking
- Literacy instruction
- English grammar expertise
- Constructive feedback
- Peer collaboration
- Teacher training and mentoring
- Creative writing coaching
- Distance learning strategies
- Exam preparation techniques
- Patience and empathy in teaching
- Safeguarding policy knowledge
- Curriculum development expertise
- SEN support
Affiliations
- Brass Banding
Certification
Qualified First Aider
Mini-Bus Proficiency
Accomplishments
Chariman of Rockingham Brass Band for 6 years (January 2019 to April 2025)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teacher of English
Aston Academy
09.2018 - Current
Teacher of English
The McAuley Catholic High school
09.2017 - 08.2018
Teacher of English
Heritage High School
09.2016 - 08.2017
Trainee Teacher of English
The University of Sheffield
09.2015 - 08.2016
Master of Arts - Applied Professional Studies in Education (Secondary English with QTS)
The University of Sheffield
09.2015 - 08.2017
Level 2 Teaching Assistant
Parkwood E-ACT Academy
03.2015 - 08.2015
Volunteer Classroom Assistant
Birley Community College
09.2014 - 03.2015
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature with English Language
Bangor University
09.2011 - 08.2014
A-Levels -
Notre Dame High School
09.2009 - 08.2011
GCSEs -
Bradfield School
09.2004 - 08.2009