KAREN RUSSELL

During my teaching career:

• Classroom Teacher in a range of years
• Learning Resource Teacher supporting a broad range of students within the mainstream classes and additional needs classrooms
• Responsibilities included establishing a School Garden, coordinating student Wellness Committee & giving yoga classes to students and staff, coordinating and implementing SEN strategies
• Involvement in coordinating annual school musical, organising class school tours and activities

I gave a number of weekly classes in Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga to adults, teenagers and college students. I ran monthly yoga and health retreats offering a range of outdoor activities, yoga and guidance on nutrition. I helped organise a number of walking / yoga holidays along the Camino de Santiago.

As a yoga teacher

• I learned to help my students become stronger through breathing, meditation, yoga poses and creating an inclusive and welcoming space.

I taught in numerous primary schools across County Cork (Ireland) as a substitute teacher during my first year of teaching. I gained huge experience in classroom management, varied teaching styles and teaching strategies.

I worked as a part of a classroom team with children with severe and profound complex needs. The needs of the children included physical disabilities, sensory impairment and severe medical needs. Our responsibilities included meeting each child's individual needs though activities, OT exercises, musical therapy, feeding and toileting.