Lisa Graham
Bedfield, Woodbridge,Suffolk
Summary
Strategic educational leader with a strong background as Head of English and English Teacher. Expertise in curriculum development, educational leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Led initiatives that enhanced curriculum quality and improved student outcomes through innovative teaching and community partnerships. Focused on creating inclusive learning environments that support diverse student needs and strengthen parent-teacher communication.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of English
Dale Hall Primary School, Ipswich
Ipswich, Suffolk
09.2015 - 07.2025
- Developed and implemented innovative English curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Led a team of English teachers, fostering professional development through regular training sessions and workshops.
- Chaired department meetings, encouraging open dialogue and collaborative decision-making to improve teaching practices.
- Oversaw the department’s compliance with national education standards, maintaining high levels of academic excellence.
- Recruited and trained top-quality educators and support staff to maximise programme success.
- Mentored new English teachers, guiding them through the school’s policies, procedures, and teaching philosophies.
- Collaborated with teachers to understand and improve classroom conditions.
- Performed lesson observations to measure teaching performance and provide constructive feedback.
- Created behaviour management strategies conducive to productive learning environment.
- Worked with parents and staff to improve student behavioural and learning issues with proactive approaches.
- Set and enhanced programme schedules to meet expected demands and enhance student learning opportunities.
- Oversaw management of educational facilities, arranging necessary maintenance and repairs.
- Organised annual English literary festivals, promoting a love for literature among students and the wider community.
- Expanded programme outreach with community engagement strategies and talks to local groups.
- Initiated partnerships with local libraries and literary organisations, enriching the English programme with external resources and speakers.
Head of English
Bacton Middle School
Bacton, Suffolk, Suffolk
09.1992 - 07.2015
- Led English department to enhance curriculum quality.
- Moderator for Writing in Suffolk
- Collaborated with teachers to understand and improve classroom conditions.
- Worked with parents and staff to improve student behavioural and learning issues with proactive approaches.
- Established and enforced modern educational standards to support student needs.
- Created behaviour management strategies conducive to productive learning environment.
- Recruited and trained top-quality educators and support staff to maximise programme success.
- Represented institution at external events to raise school's profile in wider community.
- Expanded programme outreach with community engagement strategies and talks to local groups.
- Kept current knowledge of applicable codes and required procedures to optimise learning environments.
- Strategised and implemented methods for streamlining processes, controlling costs and modernising operations.
- Conducted regular performance appraisals for English department staff, setting objectives and providing constructive feedback.
- Organised annual English literary festivals, promoting a love for literature among students and the wider community.
- Chaired department meetings, encouraging open dialogue and collaborative decision-making to improve teaching practices.
- Developed and implemented innovative English curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Reviewed and selected textbooks and educational materials, ensuring they meet the curriculum requirements and learning objectives.
- Initiated partnerships with local libraries and literary organisations, enriching the English programme with external resources and speakers.
- Mentored new English teachers, guiding them through the school's policies, procedures, and teaching philosophies.
English Teacher KS3 and 4
Helena Romanes School, Essex
Great Dunmow, Essex
09.1989 - 07.1992
- Teacher of English at KS3 and KS4
- Led drama programme for Key Stage 3 students
- Form Teacher for Year 8 students
- Managed classroom dynamics effectively, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Planned lessons with dynamic discussions and exercises to promote engagement.
- Assessed student progress through regular assignments, tests, and oral presentations, providing constructive feedback.
- Set clear targets for students learning, building on prior learning and advising on students expectations
- Built and maintained positive and professioanl relationships with students and instructional team members.
- Established safe learning environment to make students feel comfortable, secure and confident.
- Updated learning resources to achieve curriculum goals.
- Discussed pupils' progress with parents and carers, building open and honest relationships.
- Monitored students' attendance and behaviour and followed up in case of negative changes.
- Designed and implemented engaging English curriculum to meet diverse student needs and foster language development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English and American Literature
University of Kent at Canterbury
Canterbury 10.1985 - 06.1988
Post Graduate Certificate of Education - PGCE
University of Bath
Bath 09.1986 - 07.1987
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Educational leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Performance evaluation
- Staff leadership
- Creative thinking
- Teaching excellence
- Time-management
- Parent communication
- Parent-teacher communication
- Teaching and curriculum
- Creative lesson planning
Timeline
Head of English
Dale Hall Primary School, Ipswich
09.2015 - 07.2025
Head of English
Bacton Middle School
09.1992 - 07.2015
English Teacher KS3 and 4
Helena Romanes School, Essex
09.1989 - 07.1992
Post Graduate Certificate of Education - PGCE
University of Bath
09.1986 - 07.1987
Bachelor of Arts - English and American Literature
University of Kent at Canterbury
10.1985 - 06.1988