Zara Hurst
Congleton
Summary
Dedicated and versatile professional with a background in hospitality, retail, and telesales, complemented by a strong academic foundation including a Bachelors degree and a PGCE. Passionate about education and committed to fostering safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments where children can thrive. Skilled at building positive relationships, maintaining accountability, and contributing to a school community that nurtures learners into confident, capable, and responsible adults. Brings transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and adaptability, combined with a deep love for supporting young people in their personal and academic growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Customer Experience Specialist
VODAFONE
Stoke on Trent, staffordshire
01.2014 - 09.2025
- Building and maintaining strong and established client relationships, developing clear communication skills and the ability to tailor explanations to different audiences- skills directly transferable to engaging and supporting pupils with varied learning needs.
- Consistently achieving sales targets through careful planning, resilience and adaptability, demonstrating the ability to motivate others and maintain focus in high-pressure environments.
- Increased my sales by 15% in the last quarter.
- Deliver training and guidance to new team members supporting their development and fostering a collaborative environment, mirroring the patience and mentoring required in a classroom.
- Effectively manage a large workload, balancing competing priorities while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail- vital for lesson planning, marking and classroom organisation.
- Developing excellent problem-solving and conflict- resolution skills by addressing customer concerns, skills that support positive behaviour management and constructive communication with pupils, parents, and colleagues.
Hospitality assistant
THE GEORGE HOTEL
Stoke-on-Trent
03.2008 - 09.2012
- Evolved from waitress to front of house hospitality assistant within a year, reflecting flexibility and strong work ethic.
- Organised and coordinated events, including weddings and themed functions.
- Supported event planning and execution by preparing venues and coordinating with different departments.
- Trained new team members on hospitality protocols and best practices to foster a cohesive work environment.
- Maintained accuracy with client bookings, fostering trust and satisfaction and ensuring a smooth and satisfactory check in process.
- Cultivated strong relationships with colleagues and customers through professionalism.
Cast Member ( Sales Associate)
THE DISNEY STORE
Hanley
09.2006 - 12.2007
- Initially hired as a Christmas Temp then invited to extend my contract through to the following December in recognition of my strong performance and ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
- Regularly chosen to lead in store demonstrations thanks to my nurturing, caring approach and enthusiasm for creating magical, memorable experiences.
- Supported and engaged families in a welcoming and inclusive way, tailoring interactions to different ages and needs
- Developed confidence in leading group activities, communicating clearly and maintaining a positive atmosphere- all directly transferable to a classroom setting.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Primary education
Staffordshire University
Stoke-on-Trent 09.2019 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Creative Writing and Drama
De Montfort University
Leicester 09.2008 - 06.2011
A-Levels - Performance Studies, Media Studies, English Studies
Fenton Sixth Form
Stoke-on-Trent 09.2006 - 06.2008
GCSEs -
Sir Thomas Boughey
Audley 09.2000 - 06.2006
Skills
- Trained to teach across primary curriculum
- Specialises in Drama and creative writing
- Parent rapport building
- Activity planning
- Problem-solving
- Skills in lesson planning, differentiation assessment for learning and classroom management
- Experience in inclusive education safeguarding and supporting pupils with SEND and EAL
Teaching Experience
Greatwood Primary School, Cheadle
Dilhorne Primary School, Dilhorne
St Chads Primary school, Chesterton
Smart Write Tuition, Leicester
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Certificate of Higher Education - Primary education
Staffordshire University
09.2019 - 06.2020
Customer Experience Specialist
VODAFONE
01.2014 - 09.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Creative Writing and Drama
De Montfort University
09.2008 - 06.2011
Hospitality assistant
THE GEORGE HOTEL
03.2008 - 09.2012
Cast Member ( Sales Associate)
THE DISNEY STORE
09.2006 - 12.2007
A-Levels - Performance Studies, Media Studies, English Studies
Fenton Sixth Form
09.2006 - 06.2008
GCSEs -
Sir Thomas Boughey
09.2000 - 06.2006
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