Laura’s story: From teaching assistant to senior teacher

When Laura Conway finished university she barely imagined that just five years later she would find herself in a senior teaching role. Here's her story...

It was while at university that Laura first gained experience of working with children with special educational needs. She joined Sutherland House School as a Teaching Assistant straight after finishing her studies and last year was promoted to Senior Teacher at the specialist autism school.

“When I joined as a Teaching Assistant, I was unsure of what I wanted to do as a career,” she admitted. “I knew though that I wanted to help children who found traditional schooling challenging. When I joined Sutherland House School I did not see myself becoming a teacher, but I fell in love with the school and the children.”

Promotion

“I loved that the school supported children with very complex needs; children whose needs I know would not be met elsewhere. This was refreshing and challenging at times but also lead to me building so many skills and so much confidence in myself.”

She was a Teaching Assistant for two years before she gained a promotion to Positive Behaviour Support Lead. She later completed teaching training with the school before becoming a Senior Teacher in November 2022.

Not surprisingly, Laura has a passion for learning and is looking forward to beginning her Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) training.

“The school is an amazing place to work,” she added. “What I love most about the school are the amazing children that attend. I enjoy helping children succeed and the way we put the children’s needs and interest first.”