Maureen Whitehead

Trustee

Maureen is a diligent and industrious individual who is driven and a hard worker. She is highly motivated and sets high standards for both her personal and professional life. She is generous, dedicated, empathetic, a problem solver, and a team player, always willing to assist, help, and teach others when necessary. She is an optimist, yet realistic, and sensibly handles most of what life throws at her. She is considerate and has a strong capacity for empathy. She is patient and an excellent listener. Maureen is an educator currently working with Eaton Bray Academy in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, and has many years of experience working with children with disabilities, including those with brittle bone disease (OI).

Following the statutory framework guidelines, having a professional regard for the school’s ethos, policies, and practices, such as safeguarding and maintaining high standards of professionalism. Setting high expectations that challenge, inspire, and motivate pupils by establishing a safe and stimulating environment rooted in mutual respect; setting goals that stretch and challenge pupils of all backgrounds, abilities, and dispositions—planned and taught well-structured lessons, considering the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and EAL. Instil knowledge and develop understanding through effective use of lesson time and adaptive teaching.

Communicate effectively with individuals and hold parental responsibility regarding pupils’ achievements and well-being. Reflect systematically on the effectiveness of lessons and approaches to teaching, contributing to the design and provision of a rich, engaging and stimulating curriculum within the relevant subject area(s) and also monitor pupil progress, set appropriate targets, and plan subsequent lessons; provide pupils with regular and timely feedback, both orally and through accurate marking, encouraging pupils to respond to feedback; reflect on their progress and subsequent emerging needs. Assessment within relevant subject and curriculum areas is used to secure pupils’ progress. Maureen uses appropriate behaviour management techniques to involve and motivate pupils, exercising appropriate authority and acting decisively, when necessary, while maintaining good relationships with them.

She takes on broader professional responsibilities, making positive contributions to the school’s expansive life and ethos, including initiatives such as Black History Month. She develops effective professional relationships with colleagues and knows how and when to draw on advice and specialist support. She effectively deploys support staff and takes responsibility for improving teaching through appropriate professional development, including responding to advice and feedback from colleagues.