NATASHA GUNDERSEN
Aberdeen
Summary
Dedicated teacher and dyslexia specialist with extensive experience across mainstream and additional support needs settings. Passionate about creating engaging, creative and inclusive learning experiences that inspire children to enjoy learning and develop confidence in their abilities. Skilled in fostering positive environments that support the whole child academically, socially and emotionally, with a particular interest in multi-sensory teaching, outdoor learning and the natural world. Fluent in French and conversational in Norwegian, with excellent interpersonal skills and a confident, approachable manner.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Principal Teacher of Literacy
Albyn School
Aberdeen
08.2025 - Current
- Responsible for leading literacy from Nursery to P7, driving whole-school improvement in teaching and learning. Successfully initiated and implemented a new RWI spelling programme and led the introduction of a whole-school Talk for Writing curriculum, supporting curriculum planning and redesign to improve consistency, engagement and outcomes in writing. Developed an early intervention phonological awareness programme and remodelled the phonics pathway to strengthen early reading provision. Used assessment, tracking and targeted interventions to raise attainment, while fostering strong partnerships with parents to support pupil progress.
Additional Support for Learning Teacher-Primary
Albyn School
Aberdeen
08.2022 - Current
- Responsible for delivering targeted one-to-one and group interventions for pupils with a range of additional support needs, using multi-sensory approaches to improve progress and confidence. Leading the development of a whole-school dyslexia identification pathway to support early identification and intervention. Skilled in administering and interpreting standardised assessments for dyslexia and dyscalculia. Working closely with parents, staff and multi-agency professionals to provide coordinated support and promote inclusive practice and positive outcomes for all learners.
Primary Class Teacher
Albyn School
Aberdeen
01.2020 - 06.2022
- Class Teacher delivered engaging, well-structured learning experiences across the primary stages, creating a positive and inclusive classroom where all learners felt valued, confident and able to succeed. Skilled in planning and delivering differentiated lessons that met a wide range of needs, while promoting active participation, creativity and high standards of behaviour and attainment.
Additional Support for Leaning Teacher
American British Academey
Muscat, Oman
08.2015 - 06.2018
- Supported pupils with complex needs, helping to deliver highly individualised, multi-sensory and nurturing learning experiences. Focused on wellbeing, emotional regulation and positive mental health alongside academic progress. Built strong relationships with pupils and parents to ensure consistent, joined-up support and engagement, contributing to the planning of meaningful and differentiated learning experiences.
Modern Languages Teacher (French)
PDO School
Muscat, Oman
01.2011 - 06.2014
- Introduced the Rigolo French programme with strong success across the primary stages, delivering vibrant, interactive lessons that promoted confidence and enthusiasm for language learning. Established French mother-tongue mornings to celebrate linguistic diversity and engage parents, strengthening the home–school–community connection.
English Language Teacher
Centre d'Etude des Langues
Pau, France
01.2011 - 12.2013
- English Teacher (Corporate Setting). Designed and delivered tailored lessons to large groups of adult learners, supporting confidence building and effective use of English in professional contexts. Successfully managed planning and preparation for IELTS examinations, resulting in strong outcomes and improved language proficiency.
Education
Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice -
GTCS Professional Recognition Programme
08.2024 - 06.2025
Making the Primary Years Happen -
International Baccalaureate
Muscat 01.2018 - 06.2018
Postgraduate Certificate of Education -
PGCEi
Oman/Dubai 08.2015 - 06.2016
Teaching Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy -
Dyslexia Action
08.2012 - 06.2013
Certificate of English Language Teaching -
Basil Patterson Edinburgh
01.2003 - 02.2003
BA Hons - French, Politics and Sociology
University of Leicester
09.1998 - 06.2002
Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, building strong relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues
- Proactive and forward-thinking, with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in teaching
- Skilled in assessment and tracking of pupil progress, using data to inform planning and deliver targeted support
- Literacy curriculum development, designing and improving a structured, progressive programmes
- Highly organised and reliable, consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining high standards
- Strong initiative and independence in identifying needs and implementing effective solutions
Hobbies
• Rowing, tennis and competitive open water swimming
• Nature, photography, hillwalking, skiing and gardening
Timeline
Principal Teacher of Literacy
Albyn School
08.2025 - Current
Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice -
GTCS Professional Recognition Programme
08.2024 - 06.2025
Additional Support for Learning Teacher-Primary
Albyn School
08.2022 - Current
Primary Class Teacher
Albyn School
01.2020 - 06.2022
Making the Primary Years Happen -
International Baccalaureate
01.2018 - 06.2018
Additional Support for Leaning Teacher
American British Academey
08.2015 - 06.2018
Postgraduate Certificate of Education -
PGCEi
08.2015 - 06.2016
Teaching Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy -
Dyslexia Action
08.2012 - 06.2013
English Language Teacher
Centre d'Etude des Langues
01.2011 - 12.2013
Modern Languages Teacher (French)
PDO School
01.2011 - 06.2014
Certificate of English Language Teaching -
Basil Patterson Edinburgh
01.2003 - 02.2003
BA Hons - French, Politics and Sociology
University of Leicester
09.1998 - 06.2002