Karen White
midlothian
Summary
Dedicated Teaching Assistant with strong skills in classroom management and student engagement. Fostered positive relationships with students, enhancing their wellbeing through a student-centred approach. Committed to creating a supportive learning environment that contributes to educational success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Assistant in Secondary Schools
The City of Edinburgh Council
edinburgh
02.2023 - Current
- Managed classroom behaviour, promoting a positive learning environment for all students.
- Established positive relationships with students, leading by example and responding appropriately to classroom needs.
- Enhanced student wellbeing by encouraging health, safety and good behaviour.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Offered students one-on-one assistance with class assignments and activities.
- Monitored and reported on student progress to teachers, highlighting areas for improvement.
- Supplied teachers with detailed and regular feedback on pupils' achievement, progress and problems.
- Collaborated with teachers to plan and execute educational outings that complemented the curriculum.
- Participated in staff meetings and professional development workshops, contributing to the enhancement of teaching practices.
- Maintained student safety inside and outside classrooms in line with school safeguarding policies.
- Helped students with behavioural needs stay on task through extensive 1:1 support.
- Supervised and supported students who were removed from classrooms.
- Performed in-class marking, exam invigilation and organised routine tests.
- Encouraged students to express themselves through creative projects and presentations.
- Escorted children between classes to ensure safety and reduce disruptions, keeping students in line and minimising disruptions.
- Escorted children between classes to ensure safety and reduce disruptions, keeping students in line and minimising disruptions.
Kitchen Porter
The City of Edinburgh Council
edinburgh
03.2022 - 02.2023
- Maintained high standards of hygiene by thoroughly cleaning kitchen areas, including floors and surfaces.
- Maintained high levels of kitchen hygiene, including cleaning surfaces and equipment regularly.
- Managed cleaning chemicals safely according to guideline protocols, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Washed and organised cookware, utensils and dishes to maintain kitchen efficiency.
- Washed and peeled produce and prepared ingredients and equipment to support kitchen workflow.
- Removed rubbish and recycling regularly to keep workspaces neat and clean.
- Disposed of kitchen waste and recycling appropriately.
- Assisted in setting up and clearing down kitchen before and after service hours to support smooth operations.
School Cleaner
The City of Edinburgh Council
edinburgh
02.2020 - 03.2022
- Attended schools after-hours daily to sanitise and deep clean classrooms, toilets and other school spaces.
- Conducted high-quality deep cleaning within classrooms, including sanitising desks, stacking chairs and hoovering floors.
- Deep cleaned bathrooms, including toilets, sinks and floors, as well as replenishing stock.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in classrooms, providing a safe environment for students and staff.
- Performed sweeping, vacuuming, polishing, and mopping of hard floors throughout the establishment.
- Executed sweeping and mopping of uncarpeted areas with brushes and mops to maintain cleanliness.
- Followed cleaning checklists to match quality specifications for each space.
- Engaged with students and staff in a friendly manner, contributing to a positive school atmosphere.
- Reported breakages and damages for prompt item replacement.
Personal Assistant
The Thistle Foundation
04.2016 - 02.2020
- Accompanied individuals to appointments and managed appointment schedules for timely arrivals.
- Supported individual to live as independently as possible in their own home
- Assisted with household cleaning, cooking, and personal hygiene
- Filed receipts and assisted with money management and purchases
- Laundry and Made beds to maintain a tidy living environment
Career brake to be fulltime parent
01.2009 - 04.2016
- Managed household operations, including budgeting and scheduling, to ensure smooth daily functioning.
- Coordinated and prioritised tasks to maximise household efficiency.
- Executed thorough cleaning of living spaces to maintain a hygienic and welcoming environment.
Volunteer
Jack Kane Centre
Edinburgh
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Collaborated with team at after school club to create a supportive environment for children.
- Supervised children during outings to parks and outdoor centres.
- Playing games with the children aged between 5 and 12 years old.
- Prepared and served nutritious snacks, promoting healthy eating habits among children.
- Set up hall for sports and activities, ensuring a safe and engaging space for children.
- Maintained good practice in Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and First Aid.
- Assisted in various activities at Edinburgh after school club
Bar Staff
The Jewel Miners Social Club
Edinburgh
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Delivered outstanding customer service to enhance guest experience.
- Took orders and served drinks promptly to maintain service flow.
- Managed cash transactions accurately at point of sale to ensure smooth operations.
- Clearing tables and cleaning glasses.
- Edinburgh
Trainee
Princes Trust Training Programme
01.2007 - 04.2007
- Completed 12-week employability programme with work experience supporting local elderly community.
- Accompanied elderly clients on day trips, enhancing their social engagement and well-being.
- Health and Safety, Food Hygiene and First Aid training.
- Communication and confidence building skills.
- Provided refreshments during events, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for clients.
Education
Educated to Standard Grade Level -
Castlebrae High School
Edinburgh01-2006
Skills
- Classroom management
- Behaviour management
- Student engagement
- Safeguarding and supervision
- Child safeguarding
- Individual tutoring
- Academic assessment
- Lesson planning
- Health and safety
- Time management
- Secondary education
Custom
In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
Timeline
Teaching Assistant in Secondary Schools
The City of Edinburgh Council
02.2023 - Current
Kitchen Porter
The City of Edinburgh Council
03.2022 - 02.2023
School Cleaner
The City of Edinburgh Council
02.2020 - 03.2022
Personal Assistant
The Thistle Foundation
04.2016 - 02.2020
Career brake to be fulltime parent
01.2009 - 04.2016
Volunteer
Jack Kane Centre
01.2007 - 01.2008
Bar Staff
The Jewel Miners Social Club
01.2007 - 01.2008
Trainee
Princes Trust Training Programme
01.2007 - 04.2007
Educated to Standard Grade Level -
Castlebrae High School