Michelle Lynch
Cork,Bristol
Summary
Experienced SEN Class Teacher with strengths in leading inclusive learning environments for students with diverse needs. Coordinates tailored support strategies and implements trauma-informed practices to foster student engagement and achievement. Delivers impactful training to colleagues on sensory integration, curriculum design and best practices for vulnerable learners.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Class Teacher
Soundwell Academy
Bristol, UK
09.2021 - 08.2025
- Class teacher in a specialist SLCN (speech, language, and communication needs) and SEMH (social, emotional, and mental health) setting.
- Taught age ranges from 10 to 16. Pupils had diverse needs, as well as several being 'looked after children' across three different local authorities. As such, reporting was to multiple agencies across authorities, with the involvement of social care, health care, CAMHS, and others.
- Lead Teacher and Coordinator with TLR (Teaching and Learning Responsibility) for Science across the school.
- School lead for sensory integration and addressing sensory issues in children, offering advice and training to colleagues.
- Daily use of trauma-informed practices, including de-escalation, active listening, Team Teach, and restorative justice. Classes were Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia friendly, underpinned by a Nurture philosophy, allowing all learners to access lessons sucessfully.
- Sucessful reintroduction of 'school refusal' pupils back into formal school education.
Class Teacher
Blackhorse Primary School
Emerson's Green , South Gloucestershire
09.2011 - 08.2021
- Class teacher and SLE (Specialist Leader of Education) in an Autism Resource Base attached to a mainstream primary school. Pupils in Resource Base classes are working towards inclusion in the mainstream part of school where they also have a class placement.
- Responsibility for all acedemic instruction and progression for a class of 8-12 pupils with mixed abilities and age ranges ranging from P levels to Year 6 of the Primary Curriculum.
- Worked with other professionals in school – senior management team, teaching assistants, and individual mainstream teachers – to ensure progression and inclusion for children.
- Worked with professionals outside of school – educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists to ensure the best outcomes for children.
- Regular reporting to parents and local authority bodies through annual review meetings, team around the child meetings, and IEP meetings, as well as regular parent-teacher reporting.
- Managed a class of up to 12 pupils (age range 6-11), with up to 5 adults supporting at different times. Managed lesson observations for teaching assistant performance management.
- Deployment, management, and coordination of other adults in a team (6) with regular staff meetings, reporting, and monitoring time.
- Responsibility for appointing new members of the team as part of an interview panel.
- Mentored six PGCE students through their placements, providing feedback on best practice, and how to improve.
- Delivered training to local schools and teaching groups on best practice when working with students with autism.
- Curriculum lead for Science across mainstream primary schools and responsible for reporting to Governors and the Headteacher in this regard.
- Taught students subject-specific academic material as well as learning strategies, and social, citizenship, and life skills.
- Strong behaviour management skills using a range of strategies and approaches to best suit the individual child.
- Identified the needs of assigned pupils through continuous assessment, ensuring pupils receive optimum support.
- Used specialised support plans to help pupils meet their needs and achieve their full potential. These are shared with parents, supporting adults and children at their level to ensure consistency and progression.
- Increased pupil development by delivering engaging and interactive lessons that motivated and inspired reluctant learners and/ or school refusers.
Education
PGCE - Primary 5-11
Bath Spa University
Bath, UK01-2011
FETAC, Level 5 - Early Childhood Studies
Cork College of Commerce
Cork, Ireland01-2008
Bachelor of Arts - English and Philosophy
University College Cork
Cork01-1996
Skills
- Proficient in teaching English NC ranging from reception to upper Key Stage 2
- Middle Leadership skills
- Provision graded 'Outstanding' by OFSTED
- Proficient teaching and learning skills particularly for vulnerable learners
- Strong knowledge of how children learn, grounded in pedagogy
- Classroom organisation and team management
- Teacher training and support
- Maintains a collaborative, positive, inclusive learning environment, grounded in equity
- Excellent IT and multimedia skills
- Calm and professional team player
Previous Experience
2006- 2010
Cork CABAS School for Autism, Cork Ireland
Applied Behaviour Analysis Tutor in School for Autism.
2004 - 2006
Thru-u E-learning, Cork, Ireland
Content Writer for online learning platform.
2001-2005
2 Voices Montessori Preschool, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Classroom assistant in early years Montessori school for children aged 1-4
CPD and Training
NPQLTD- National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development 2024-25
Olevi Outstanding Teacher Programmme 2016
Middle Leadership Training 2015
SLE(Autism) training 2019
STEM Institute 3 day Science Leadership Training 2020
Special Yoga and Mindfulness for ASD and ADHD 2018
AET level 1&2 2014
Lead Practitioner for Autism 2015
Read Write Inc 2012, 2017
Singapore Maths 2017
Big Maths 2015, 2018
Big Write 2012, 2016
Team Teach 2011- 2025
Challenging behaviour and PDA, NAS training 2014
Social Story Writing 2013
In-house emotion coaching and Thrive training 2017
Light up Learning creative curriculum training 2020
Holistic Sound Therapy Practitioner- IPMH (Laura Taylor) Bristol 2024
Diploma in Reflexology- Natural Healing Centre Cork- 2006
Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Holistic Massage- Cork College of Commerce- 2007
Interests and Hobbies
As a life long learner and traveller I love to explore and travel in new countries. I am a keen long distance walker and hiker and an occasional runner!
I love to cook and explore new cuisines and use Yoga and Meditation to unwind. I have a passion for the arts and am an avid reader, love museums and especially live music of all genres.
Timeline
Class Teacher
Soundwell Academy
09.2021 - 08.2025
Class Teacher
Blackhorse Primary School
09.2011 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Arts - English and Philosophy
University College Cork
PGCE - Primary 5-11
Bath Spa University
FETAC, Level 5 - Early Childhood Studies
Cork College of Commerce