- I enjoy creating a wide range of crafts from sewn pieces to knitted garments
- I am a keen gardener and enjoy the beauty and calmness of nature
- I enjoy swimming and walking
Maria Sharp
Crewe,Cheshire
Summary
I am a dynamic Teacher of many years with strengths in inclusive education and student engagement. I champion student welfare by fostering supportive learning environments that address emotional and social development. I implement tailored learning strategies to meet diverse needs, ensuring every student has access to high-quality education.
I am a highly motivated professional with the ability to demonstrate strengths in interpersonal communication and adaptive teaching methods.
I engage effectively with students, parents, and colleagues to create positive educational experiences. I am eager to demonstrate my diverse background in education to support vulnerable adults and contribute to their learning experiences and personal growth.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Design & Technology
St. Margaret Ward Catholic Academy
Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire
09.2009 - 08.2026
- Served as a member of the Senior Leadership Team for 2 years with a responsibility for developing Teaching and Learning across the school.
- Managed the recruitment, induction, and professional development of my team, ensuring high standards of teaching quality and expertise.
- Led departmental response to inspection feedback, implementing recommended improvements to elevate teaching and learning standards.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the department, encouraging innovation and reflective practice among staff members.
- Collaborated with my team to understand and improve Teaching & Learning.
- Performed lesson observations to measure the quality of Teaching and Learning, providing constructive feedback.
- Conducted regular appraisals for departmental staff, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for professional growth.
- Improved student educational plans by providing tailored learning to meet individual needs.
- Developed a diverse and inclusive curriculum model across four subject strands to better support student needs.
- Identified student potential and varying learning needs to ensure all students received high-quality education and access to appropriately tailored resources.
- Monitored student progress through data analysis, implementing targeted intervention strategies to support vulnerable and underachieving pupils.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to address student behavioural and learning issues through proactive strategies.
- Advocated for student welfare by partnering with pastoral teams to enhance students' emotional and social development.
- Mentored staff across the school to enable professional development and progression.
- Oversaw management of departmental facilities, arranging necessary maintenance and repairs.
- Represented the Academy at external events to raise the profile in the wider community.
Teacher in charge of Textiles & Work Experience
The Thomas Adams School
Wem, Shropshire
09.2002 - 08.2009
- Designed and facilitated a work experience programme in line with statutory requirements, enhancing career aspirations and practical skills for students.
- Developed lesson plans aligned with national curriculum and school-wide standards to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Used effective teaching methods to assist with student development, including collaborative learning, positive reinforcement, modelling and explicit instruction.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs, interests, and abilities, promoting inclusive education.
- Observed and assessed student performance to identify areas requiring improvement.
- Maintained trusting relationships with students through educational and emotional support, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
Teacher in charge of Food & Textiles
St. Thomas Moore Catholic High School
Crewe, Cheshire
09.1999 - 08.2001
- Implemented innovative schemes of learning, enhancing students' learning experiences.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment, significantly reducing student behavioural issues.
- Promoted an inclusive classroom culture, recognising and celebrating diversity among students and staff.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to address student behavioural and learning issues through proactive strategies.
- Guided new staff through training sessions, enhancing their integration and effectiveness in the classroom.
Teacher of Textiles
The Davenant Foundation School
Loughton, Essex
09.1998 - 08.1999
- Planned and implemented lessons utilising a variety of teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Used effective teaching methods to assist with student development, including collaborative learning, positive reinforcement, modelling and explicit instruction.
- Observed and assessed student performance to identify areas requiring improvement.
- Maintained trusting student relationships by providing both educational and emotional support to students.
Store Manager
Sock Shop
London, The City of London
09.1996 - 08.1997
- Conducted regular training sessions on customer service excellence and product knowledge.
- Interacted with customers to develop rapport, determine shopping needs and resolve complaints.
- Merchandised displays to showcase new and popular items.
- Conducted regular stock checks, rotation and ordering thus enabling a steady stock flow and maximum profit.
- Organised staff schedules, holiday rotas, and shift patterns to ensure seamless store operations.
- Created positive working environments by offering support and guidance to staff.
Education
NPQSL - Senior Leadership
Best Practice
Online01-2021
PGCE - Teaching
De Montfort University
Leicester01-1998
BSc Hons - 2:1 - Knitwear Design & Production
De Montfort University
Leicester01-1996
BTEC - Multi-Disciplinary Design
Stockport College of FE & HE
Stockport01-1993
GCSEs - GCSE - Maths, English, RE, Science, French, Geography, Art, Food Technology.
Rhyn Park Secondary School
St. Martins, Shropshire01-1991
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Curriculum inclusivity
- Data analysis
- Continuous improvement
- Student engagement
- Proactive behaviour strategies
- Creative pedagogical approaches
Certification
- Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Award.
Interests
Timeline
Head of Design & Technology
St. Margaret Ward Catholic Academy
09.2009 - 08.2026
Teacher in charge of Textiles & Work Experience
The Thomas Adams School
09.2002 - 08.2009
Teacher in charge of Food & Textiles
St. Thomas Moore Catholic High School
09.1999 - 08.2001
Teacher of Textiles
The Davenant Foundation School
09.1998 - 08.1999
Store Manager
Sock Shop
09.1996 - 08.1997
NPQSL - Senior Leadership
Best Practice
PGCE - Teaching
De Montfort University
BSc Hons - 2:1 - Knitwear Design & Production
De Montfort University
BTEC - Multi-Disciplinary Design
Stockport College of FE & HE
GCSEs - GCSE - Maths, English, RE, Science, French, Geography, Art, Food Technology.
Rhyn Park Secondary School